Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait for English football's top honour after defeating already-relegated Burnley 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, opening up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Kai Havertz headed home the only goal of the match from a corner on 37 minutes, rising above the Burnley defence to convert Bukayo Saka's delivery — Arsenal's 18th league goal from a set piece this season. The result means the north London club could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday night if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth.
The victory, though ultimately comfortable, was far from straightforward. Arsenal dominated the opening half, with Leandro Trossard striking the post and Saka going close on several occasions, but Burnley — who have taken just two points from their last ten matches — grew into the game after the break and gave the home crowd some nervous moments. The tension peaked when Havertz escaped a red card after a VAR review of a reckless challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu; had the decision gone the other way, Arsenal would have faced the final quarter defending a one-goal lead with ten men. Havertz was substituted shortly after for Viktor Gyokeres, though the Swede could not add to the scoreline.
The match also brought individual milestones. Saka's assist was his 50th in the Premier League — reached at the age of 24, making him the second-youngest player to achieve both 50 goals and 50 assists in the competition after Wayne Rooney. Goalkeeper David Raya registered his 19th clean sheet of the season, equalling a club Premier League record previously held by David Seaman. Arsenal have now kept four consecutive clean sheets since their defeat to City last month.
The title race carries added intrigue off the pitch, with reports emerging on Monday that City manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club after a decade in charge once the season concludes. If City beat Bournemouth on Tuesday and then beat Aston Villa on the final day, Arsenal would still secure the title with a win at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park on Sunday. A draw for Arsenal in that fixture, however, would hand City the championship on goal difference if Guardiola's side win both their remaining games.
Arsenal last won the Premier League in 2004, a season in which they went the entire campaign unbeaten. Should they claim the title this time, it would represent the culmination of a multi-year rebuild under manager Mikel Arteta, who has transformed the club into consistent contenders after years outside the European elite.