Arsenal are now within touching distance of the Premier League title after securing a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. The result moved Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top of the table and put them on the verge of ending a 22-year wait for a league title.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match with a first-half header, but the German forward was also involved in one of the game’s biggest talking points after escaping a possible red card in the second half.
Havertz Scores Crucial Winner for Arsenal
Arsenal entered their final home game of the season knowing that victory would place major pressure on Manchester City in the title race. Burnley, already relegated and struggling for form, were expected to be easier opposition. However, the visitors made Arsenal work hard for the three points.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute, when Havertz rose above the Burnley defence to head in a delivery from Bukayo Saka. The goal once again highlighted Arsenal’s strength from set pieces. It was their 18th league goal from a corner this season, underlining how important dead-ball situations have become to Arteta’s title push.
Arsenal Survive Nervy Second Half
Despite taking the lead, Arsenal could not turn the match into a comfortable win. Leandro Trossard hit the post from the edge of the box, while Saka also had a penalty appeal waved away after trying to connect with a low cross from Havertz. Burnley stayed in the game and Arsenal had to defend carefully during the closing stages. The biggest moment of concern came when Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu with a mistimed challenge, dragging his studs down the midfielder’s calf.
The referee showed a yellow card, and after a VAR review, the decision was not upgraded to red. It was a major escape for Arsenal, as playing the final part of the match with 10 men could have changed the title race dramatically. Havertz was replaced shortly afterwards by Viktor Gyokeres, but the substitution did not significantly improve Arsenal’s attacking rhythm.
Manchester City Still Have Hope
Arsenal could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth. Even if City win against Bournemouth and then beat Aston Villa, Arsenal can still secure the title with a win away at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
However, the title race is not completely over yet. If Arsenal only draw at Selhurst Park, City could still win the league on goal difference by winning their remaining matches. That possibility keeps pressure on Arteta’s side, despite their strong position at the top.
Arteta: “One More to Go”
After the match, Mikel Arteta said Arsenal had done what was required and now had to wait for Manchester City’s result. “One more to go,” Arteta said, making it clear that the focus now shifts to the final match against Crystal Palace. He admitted that Arsenal should have won by a bigger margin but praised his players for showing the defensive discipline they have displayed throughout the campaign.
Arsenal’s Defence Pushes Them Toward the Title
While Arsenal were not at their most fluent in attack, their defence once again proved decisive. Since losing to Manchester City last month, Arsenal have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League. That defensive stability has become one of the main reasons they are now so close to winning the title.
Arteta said his team had shown all season that they can defend under pressure and manage difficult moments when needed. For Arsenal fans, the Burnley win may not have been pretty, but it could prove to be one of the most important results of the season. With one more step to go, Arsenal are now closer than ever to finally bringing the Premier League trophy back to North London.