Arsenal moved to the verge of a historic Premier League triumph on Monday night, edging Burnley 1-0 to establish a crucial five-point advantage at the summit and place themselves within touching distance of a first league title in 22 years.
Kai Havertz proved decisive at the Emirates Stadium, rising highest to head home the match-winning goal, although the German was fortunate to remain on the pitch after escaping a potential red card in the second half — a moment that could yet prove pivotal in the title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side could officially be crowned champions as early as Tuesday if Manchester City fail to secure victory away to Bournemouth. Even if Pep Guardiola’s men overcome Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their remaining fixtures, Arsenal would still clinch the title with a win over Crystal Palace next weekend.
Despite the victory, Arsenal’s narrow escape against an already relegated Burnley side may offer City renewed belief heading into the final stretch. Should the Gunners slip up at Selhurst Park with a draw, City would have the opportunity to snatch the title on goal difference by winning their last two matches.
Adding further intrigue to the dramatic title run-in, reports emerging on Monday suggested Guardiola could leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad.
Backed by a packed Emirates crowd in their final home fixture of the campaign, Arsenal were expected to dominate a Burnley side that had collected just two points from their previous 10 league games. However, the visitors frustrated the hosts for long periods and forced Arsenal into another tense evening.
Leandro Trossard came close early on, striking the post from distance, while Bukayo Saka was denied a penalty after going down in the area as he tried to connect with Havertz’s dangerous low delivery.
As they have done so often this season, Arsenal eventually found the breakthrough from a set piece. Havertz powered in Saka’s corner in the 37th minute, marking the Gunners’ 18th goal from a corner in the league this campaign.
The expected flood of goals never arrived, though, and Arsenal survived a major scare midway through the second half. Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu with a late challenge, dragging his studs down the Burnley midfielder’s calf. Although VAR reviewed the incident, the referee’s original yellow-card decision stood.
Arteta swiftly substituted Havertz for Viktor Gyokeres, but Arsenal struggled to regain attacking momentum in the closing stages. Nevertheless, their defensive resilience once again proved decisive.
Since suffering defeat to Manchester City last month, Arsenal have now kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League — a run that has carried them to the brink of ending more than two decades of waiting for domestic glory.