Arsenal are on the brink of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 on Monday to open up a five-point lead at the top.<\/p>\n
Kai Havertz headed in the only goal but was also lucky to avoid a second-half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City’s favour.<\/p>\n
The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday should City fail to win at Bournemouth.<\/p>\n
Even if City do end the Cherries’ 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will secure the title with victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.<\/p>\n
However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side that have long since been relegated does offer City hope.<\/p>\n
An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola’s team win their final two matches.<\/p>\n
To add extra intrigue to the final days of the season, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge after Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease.<\/p>\n
Burnley have taken just two points from their last 10 matches but made Mikel Arteta’s men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.<\/p>\n
Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area before Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waived away as he attempted to turn in Havertz’s low cross.<\/p>\n
Arsenal were forced to rely on their set piece threat once more to prise Burnley open.<\/p>\n
Havertz rose highest to power in Saka’s delivery on 37 minutes as they scored from a corner for the 18th time in the league this season.<\/p>\n
Yet the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were very fortunate not to have to defend their lead with 10 men for the final quarter.<\/p>\n
Havertz raked his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge.<\/p>\n
Despite a VAR review, the original decision of a yellow card was not upgraded to red.<\/p>\n
Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede’s arrival failed to kickstart Arsenal as an attacking force.<\/p>\n
But their rock solid defensive record again edged them closer to the title.<\/p>\n
Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n