Arsenal moved to within touching distance of their first Premier League title in 22 years with a 1-0 victory over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz headed the only goal nine minutes before half-time, taking Mikel Arteta's side five points clear of Manchester City with two games remaining.
City must now win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night to keep the title race alive. If Pep Guardiola's side fail to take all three points at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal will seal the championship with a match to spare. The Gunners have won four consecutive league games without conceding since their defeat at City in April.
Havertz opened the scoring with a header from Bukayo Saka's corner, Arsenal's 18th goal from a set-piece this season. Saka recorded his 50th Premier League assist, a milestone only Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Mesut Ozil have surpassed for the club. Earlier, Leandro Trossard hit the post and Saka had a penalty appeal turned down.
The second half saw Havertz fortunate to escape a red card for a high tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu, with VAR declining to intervene. Burnley almost equalised when Eberechi Eze's strike clipped the crossbar, but Arsenal held on. The nervy atmosphere among the 60,000 fans reflected the high stakes, yet the hosts' defence remained untested.
Victory strengthens Arsenal's bid to shed their 'nearly men' tag and earn Arteta his second trophy in nearly seven years. The club also have a Champions League final against Paris St Germain to come on May 30, seeking their first European Cup. Next up is a trip to Crystal Palace, where a two-point lead over City could be on the line.
