Manchester City relegated Burnley with a 1-0 victory and also took the lead from Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Published April 22, 2026
Manchester City took an eerie late-season lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over relegation-bound Burnley thanks to an early goal from Erling Haaland, ending Arsenal’s 200-day stay at the top of the table.
Haaland’s finish after five minutes on Wednesday could have paved the way for City to increase their goal difference, but City lacked the cutting edge in a nervy game as Burnley pushed deep.
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There were chances, including Haaland hitting the post, but City looked to secure a margin of safety, but Josep Guardiola’s side had to make do with a surprisingly narrow victory.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We had chances. We created a lot. It was a great game and after a difficult game three days ago (against Arsenal) we did everything we could.”
“We won and are top of the league, so why be disappointed? Of course we could have done more, but we won.
“We performed better than on Sunday because we created one chance after another.
“We’re five games away from winning the Premier League, that’s the reality.”
The goal, which came as Haaland ran into the path of Jeremy Doku and produced a deft finish, powered City to a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday and turned Guardiola’s side into title favorites for many.
The one-goal victory left City and Arsenal level on points (70) and goal difference (+37). City are only in the lead thanks to having scored more goals (66 compared to Arsenal’s 63).
City drew with West Ham on March 14, leaving them nine points behind Arsenal. Arsenal’s three consecutive wins and consecutive losses have turned the title race on its head.
As a result, American-owned Burnley returned to the top flight after one season, but were relegated.
For coach Scott Parker’s side, the inevitable has now become reality as they sit at 20 points, 13 points out of safety with four games remaining.
Arsenal could regain top spot when they play Newcastle United on Saturday, while City face Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on the same day, before returning to the Premier League against Everton on Monday, May 4.
Guardiola added of Saturday’s game against Southampton: “It’s a great chance to play in a fourth consecutive final.”
“We may have to rest the players, but we are ready.”
