Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0, opening a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game with a header. The German forward was fortunate not to be sent off in the second half in an incident that could have tilted the title race in Manchester City’s favour.
Arsenal could be crowned champions as soon as Tuesday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth. Even if City defeat Bournemouth and then overcome Aston Villa, Arsenal will win the title if they beat Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Yet the narrow victory over a Burnley side that was already relegated left a sliver of hope for Manchester City. If Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park, City can take the title on goal difference by winning both their remaining matches — assuming Pep Guardiola’s men beat Bournemouth and Villa.
Adding further drama to the final days of the season, reports on Monday indicated that Guardiola will leave City after a decade of success, immediately after the match against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.
Buoyed by a sell-out home crowd for their last league match at the Emirates this season, Arsenal were expected to sweep Burnley aside. However, Burnley had taken just two points from their previous ten games but forced Mikel Arteta’s side to work hard for the three points on a tense night in north London.
Leandro Trossard hit the post from the edge of the box, Bukayo Saka was denied a penalty when trying to reach a low cross from Havertz. Arsenal were forced to rely on set pieces to break down Burnley’s defence.
Havertz rose highest to head home from Saka’s corner in the 37th minute — Arsenal’s 18th Premier League goal from corners this season. The goals did not flow freely, and Arsenal were fortunate not to have to protect their lead with ten men for the final 15 minutes.
Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu on the calf with his studs in a dangerous challenge. After a VAR check, the initial yellow card was not upgraded to red. Havertz was subsequently substituted for Viktor Gyokeres.
The arrival of the Swedish striker did not improve Arsenal’s attacking output. However, their solid defence once again pushed them closer to the title. Since losing to City in April, Arsenal have not conceded a single goal in their four subsequent league matches.
