Arsenal moved another huge step closer to winning the Premier League title after edging past Burnley 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium through a first-half header from Kai Havertz.
It was not Arsenal’s most fluent or comfortable performance of the season, but on a tense night in North London, Mikel Arteta’s side once again found a way to get the result that mattered most.
The victory in Arsenal’s final home game of the league campaign moves the Gunners five points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side still have two matches remaining starting with Tuesday’s difficult trip to Bournemouth.
Arsenal now know any slip-up from City on the south coast would officially hand them their first Premier League title in 22 years before the final weekend of the season.
The atmosphere around the Emirates reflected the scale of the occasion long before kick-off, with supporters gathering outside the stadium in huge numbers to welcome the team bus ahead of a potentially defining evening in the title race.
Arteta responded by naming an aggressive and attack-minded lineup against a Burnley side whose relegation had already been confirmed weeks ago, but despite dominating possession early on, Arsenal still struggled to fully break down a stubborn visiting defence.
Leandro Trossard came closest during the opening stages when he drove a fierce effort against the post after working space brilliantly on the edge of the area.
Bukayo Saka also caused constant problems down the right flank and Arsenal thought they might have a penalty when the winger went down under pressure inside the box, only for VAR to allow play to continue.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute from one of Arsenal’s most reliable weapons this season.
Saka’s dangerous corner delivery found Havertz rising above the Burnley defence inside the six-yard area, with the German forward powering his header beyond Max Weiss to send the Emirates into celebration.
It was another huge contribution from Havertz in a season where he has repeatedly delivered in decisive moments for Arsenal.
Burnley still threatened enough to keep nerves alive during the second half, while Havertz himself escaped a possible red card after VAR reviewed a late challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu before deciding to stick with a yellow card.
Arsenal pushed for a second goal but ultimately settled for preserving another clean sheet and another priceless victory.
The performance may not have been spectacular, but at this stage of the season Arsenal are no longer chasing perfection. They are chasing the title, and once again they did exactly what was required.
