Arsenal moved to the brink of a first Premier League title in 22 years after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table.
Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal with a first-half header, although the German midfielder was fortunate to avoid a red card in the second half after a reckless challenge that could have shifted momentum back in favour of defending champions Manchester City.
The Gunners could clinch the title as early as Tuesday if City fail to beat Bournemouth.
Even if Pep Guardiola’s side overcome Bournemouth’s 16-match unbeaten run and later defeat Aston Villa, Arsenal would still secure the title with victory away to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
However, Arsenal’s narrow win over an already relegated Burnley side may offer City renewed hope in the title race.
A draw for Arsenal at Selhurst Park would leave the door open for City to snatch the title on goal difference if Guardiola’s men win their final two fixtures.
Adding further intrigue to the closing stages of the season, reports on Monday suggested Guardiola could leave Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade in charge following Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Backed by a packed Emirates Stadium crowd in their final home game of the campaign, Arsenal were expected to dispatch Burnley comfortably.
But Burnley, despite taking just two points from their previous 10 matches, forced Mikel Arteta’s side into another tense evening.
Leandro Trossard struck the post from distance before Bukayo Saka had penalty appeals waved away after attempting to convert Havertz’s low cross.
Arsenal eventually found the breakthrough from a familiar source — a set piece.
Havertz rose highest to power home Saka’s corner in the 37th minute, marking Arsenal’s 18th goal from a corner this season.
The hosts, however, failed to build on their advantage and were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men late in the game.
Havertz appeared to rake his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge, but after a VAR review, the referee’s original decision to issue a yellow card remained unchanged.
The German was soon substituted for Viktor Gyokeres, though the change did little to reignite Arsenal’s attacking momentum.
Still, Arsenal’s defensive resilience once again proved decisive.
Since their defeat to Manchester City last month, the Gunners have kept four consecutive Premier League clean sheets as they edge closer to ending a two-decade wait for the title.
AFP
