Nigeria: Arsenal one win away from first Premier League title in 22 years
Arsenal moved to the brink of their first Premier League title since 2004 with a nervy 1-0 victory over relegated Burnley at the Emirates on Monday.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal with a 37th-minute header from Bukayo Saka’s corner, giving Arsenal their 18th goal from a set piece in the league this season. The win puts Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top with two games remaining.
The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth. Even if City win, Arsenal will clinch the title with a victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
City still have a path to retain the trophy. If they beat Bournemouth and Aston Villa, and Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park, Pep Guardiola’s side could snatch the title on goal difference by winning their final two matches.
The match against Burnley was far from comfortable. Burnley, who have taken just two points from their last 10 games, defended resolutely and forced Arsenal to rely on set pieces for the breakthrough. Leandro Trossard hit the post early, and Saka had a penalty appeal waved away after trying to turn in Havertz’s low cross.
Arsenal were also fortunate not to finish the game with 10 men. Havertz escaped a red card after dragging his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in the second half. VAR reviewed the challenge but upheld the referee’s original yellow card decision. Havertz was substituted shortly after for Viktor Gyokeres.
Defensively, Arsenal remained solid. They have not conceded in their last four league matches since losing to City in April, and that defensive record has kept their title push on track.
The result came on the same day reports suggested Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge following their final home game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Arsenal’s final home game of the season saw a capacity crowd roar on the team, with banners reading “22 years of waiting ends this season” visible in the stands. They now need just one more win to end that wait.
