Arsenal move to brink of Premier League title with 1-0 win over Burnley

LONDON: Arsenal moved to the verge of ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title after a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday lifted them five points clear at the top of the table.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match, but the Arsenal forward was also fortunate to remain on the pitch after a second-half challenge that was reviewed by VAR and left the original yellow card unchanged.

The result means Mikel Arteta's side could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday if Manchester City fail to win away to Bournemouth. If City beat Bournemouth and then Aston Villa, Arsenal would still seal the title with a win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arteta said his side had completed the task within their control.

"One more to go," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. "We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomorrow and then it's time to prepare for the Palace game."

Burnley make Arsenal work

Despite facing a Burnley side already relegated and having collected only two points from their previous 10 matches, Arsenal were made to battle for the win in their final home game of the season at the Emirates.

Leandro Trossard struck the post from outside the area, while Bukayo Saka had a penalty appeal turned down as he tried to meet a low cross from Havertz.

Arsenal eventually found the breakthrough from a set piece in the 37th minute. Havertz climbed highest to head in Saka's delivery, taking Arsenal's tally from corners in the league this season to 18.

However, the home side were unable to turn their advantage into a more comfortable lead, and the contest remained in the balance deep into the second half.

Havertz avoids red card

Arsenal were relieved not to be reduced to 10 men for the closing stages after Havertz caught Lesley Ugochukwu on the calf with his studs in a mistimed tackle. The incident was checked by VAR, but the yellow card shown on the field was not upgraded.

Havertz was then replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, though the substitution did not significantly improve Arsenal's attacking threat.

Even so, Arsenal's defence again proved decisive. Since losing to Manchester City last month, they have kept four straight clean sheets in the league, a run that has taken them to the edge of the title.

Arteta said Arsenal should have won by a wider margin, but praised his players for seeing the game through.

"The margin should have been bigger but we haven't achieved that," added Arteta. "We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way."

Title race remains alive

The narrow nature of Arsenal's win leaves Manchester City with a route back into the title race. An Arsenal draw at Crystal Palace would allow Pep Guardiola's side to take the title on goal difference if City win their final two matches.

The closing days of the season have also been given added intrigue by reports on Monday suggesting Guardiola will leave Manchester City after a decade in charge following Sunday's home game against Aston Villa.

For now, Arsenal have put themselves in the strongest position and need just one more result to complete their long wait for the league crown.