Mikel Arteta has jokingly declared he will become "the biggest ever" Bournemouth supporter as his Arsenal side stand on the verge of Premier League glory. The Gunners are just one game away from clinching their first league title in 22 years after Kai Havertz's first-half header secured a 1-0 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
Title within reach
Arsenal will be crowned champions on Tuesday night, avoiding the tension of a final-day showdown, if Bournemouth manage to prevent Manchester City from winning at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries have not lost a home match in their last eight fixtures since a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on January 3.
When asked if he is now a Bournemouth fan for the next 24 hours, Arteta said: "The biggest ever. (Bournemouth manager) Andoni (Iraola), and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we are all fans because we know what it means if they get a result."
No need for messages
Arteta dismissed the idea of sending a text to Iraola, adding: "I don't think it is needed. What he's done in that football club, the transformation, what they are playing for, I don't think they need anything else. When you look at how Burnley played today, the spirit that they show, how difficult they made it, imagine tomorrow."
Pressed on whether he would watch the match with his players, Arteta replied: "I haven't planned to do that. I am planning to watch it with my family. I don't know for how long. I will be there in front of the TV, but I don't know how much I am going to be able to watch it, and that is the reality."
Havertz header decisive
Havertz's header from Bukayo Saka's corner in the 36th minute proved enough for Arsenal to beat an already-relegated Burnley side. The Gunners face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday in their final league game, but could be champions before then.
Arteta's players could complete a historic double this month, with a Champions League final against Paris St Germain to follow in Budapest on May 30.
Odegaard's promise
Prior to leading his side on a lap of honour to mark the club's final home game, captain Martin Odegaard said: "I am really proud. It has been an amazing season so far. We have one big one left and then the Champions League final and we want to take the trophies home. I can promise you all that we will give everything we have and keep going until the very end. With your support we are going to be ready."
Controversy over Havertz tackle
Burnley rarely looked like spoiling Arsenal's party, but the hosts could count themselves fortunate to end the game with 11 men following Havertz's high tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu. Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson said: "It is a red card. It is dangerous, he is leaving the floor, and it is cynical foul to break up play. We are disappointed it wasn't given because it changes the game for the last 20 minutes in our favour. When you look back at it and watch it frame-by-frame, and second-by-second, you must be able to see that."
