Arsenal moved to the brink of their first Premier League title since 2004 after grinding out a 1-0 victory over already-relegated Burnley on Monday, opening up a five-point lead at the summit.Kai Havertz proved the difference, powering home a header from Bukayo Saka’s corner delivery on 37 minutes — the Gunners’ 18th set-piece goal of the league campaign — to send an expectant Emirates crowd into raptures.
The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday night if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth, who are riding a 16-game unbeaten run. Even if City navigate that hurdle and defeat Aston Villa in their final home fixture, Arsenal will seal the title with a win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
However, the night was not without its nerves. Havertz was fortunate to remain on the pitch after raking his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a reckless second-half challenge. A VAR review upheld the original yellow card decision — a moment that could have swung the title race dramatically back in City’s favour.
Havertz was withdrawn for Viktor Gyokeres shortly after, though the Swedish striker’s introduction did little to spark Arsenal into further attacking life. Not that it mattered — Mikel Arteta’s side have now kept four consecutive clean sheets since their defeat to City last month, with their defensive solidity proving the bedrock of this title charge.Burnley, for their part, refused to simply roll over despite their long-confirmed relegation.
They frustrated Arsenal for large spells, with Leandro Trossard rattling the post and Saka having a penalty appeal dismissed before Havertz’s decisive intervention.
Adding further intrigue to the title run-in, reports emerging on Monday suggest Pep Guardiola will bring his decorated decade at Manchester City to a close at the end of the season — a potential distraction City can ill afford as the race reaches its conclusion.For Arsenal and their fans, though, the finish line has never felt closer.
Twenty-two years of waiting may finally be nearly over.
