Arsenal defeated Burnley 1-0, moving them one win away from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
Published May 18, 2026
Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0, opening up a five-point gap at the top of the table and ending their 22-year wait to win the Premier League.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal with a header on Monday, but they were also lucky to avoid a late red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City’s favour.
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If City fail to win at Bournemouth, the Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday.
Even if City end the Cherries’ 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will seal the title with a win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
However, a narrow victory over long-relegated Burnley side gives City hope.
If Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park and Josep Guardiola’s side win their remaining two games, City can snatch the title on goal difference.
Adding further intrigue to the final day of the season, reports on Monday suggested Guardiola could be leaving City after an illustrious decade in charge, following Villa’s visit to the Etihad on Sunday.
Arsenal easily defeated the Clarets in their final home game of the season to the cheers of an expectant capacity crowd.
Burnley have only picked up two points from their last 10 games, but Mikel Arteta’s side fought for three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.
Leandro Trossard hit the post from the edge of the area, but a penalty appeal was canceled as Bukayo Saka tried to slot in Havertz’s low cross.
Arsenal were once again forced to rely on the threat of set pieces to put Burnley ahead.
Havertz gained momentum in the 37th minute with Saka’s strike, scoring his 18th goal from a corner kick in the league this season.
However, the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were extremely lucky not to have to defend their lead with 10 men until the final quarter.
Havertz drove a stud into Leslie Ugochukwu’s calf in a mistimed challenge.
Despite VAR review, the original yellow card was not upgraded to a red card.
Havertz was immediately replaced by Victor Gokeres. The Swede’s arrival did not revitalize Arsenal as an attacking force.
However, their solid defensive record brought them closer to the title once again.
Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games since losing to City last month.
