Arsenal Edge Closer to Premier League Title After Defeating Burnley

Arsenal are on the verge of ending their 22-year Premier League title drought after a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday, which extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.

Kai Havertz scored the game’s only goal with a first-half header but was fortunate to escape a second-half red card for a challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu—a moment that could have shifted the title race back in Manchester City’s favour.

The Gunners could be crowned champions as soon as Tuesday if City fail to win at Bournemouth. Even if City overcomes Bournemouth and then beats Aston Villa, Arsenal will clinch the title with a win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Despite facing a Burnley side already relegated and without a win in their last 10 games, Arsenal’s narrow margin leaves the door slightly open for City. If Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park and City win their final two matches, goal difference could decide the champions.

Adding further intrigue, reports on Monday suggested that Pep Guardiola may leave Manchester City after their fixture against Villa, potentially ending a decorated era at the Etihad.

In front of a packed Emirates Stadium for their final home game, Arsenal were expected to cruise past Burnley. However, the visitors made life difficult, forcing Mikel Arteta’s side to work hard for the three points.

Leandro Trossard hit the post and Bukayo Saka had a penalty appeal denied in the first half, before Arsenal’s set-piece prowess broke the deadlock. Havertz rose to meet Saka’s corner in the 37th minute—Arsenal’s 18th goal from a corner this season.

The Gunners could not add to their tally and rode their luck when Havertz received only a yellow card for his foul, surviving a VAR review. He was soon replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, but the change failed to spark Arsenal’s attack.

Instead, Arsenal relied on their defensive solidity, extending their run of clean sheets to four league games since losing to City last month—bringing them ever closer to Premier League glory.