Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners over Burnley to take another important step towards Premier League glory as they moved five points clear of Manchester City - amid growing speculation on Pep Guardiola
22:33, 18 May 2026Updated 22:38, 18 May 2026
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks to the fans after the win over Burnley
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Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal speaks to the fans after the win over Burnley(Image: Allstar via Getty Images)
Kai Havertz headed a first-half winner as Arsenal took another giant leap towards Premier League title glory.
Mikel Arteta's squad are now just 90 minutes away from creating history, though they could be crowned champions by the time they next kick a ball at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Arsenal did their best to fluff their lines here though as they made hard work of victory against already-relegated Burnley.
Here are some talking points from the Emirates as the Gunners signed off with a win in their final home game of the season.
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OPINION
Author avatarTom CantonREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola to LEAVE Man City with ex-Chelsea boss preparing to replace him
City dealt double blow
This was a grim evening for Manchester City supporters for more reasons than one.
Not only are their Premier League title hopes looking increasingly slim but reports regarding the potential departure of Pep Guardiola have gathered serious pace.
It's long been speculated that the Spaniard could depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the campaign but now that proposition is starting to look highly probable. It must give Arsenal further encouragement that if they can get the job done and get over the line, more big trophies could well follow.
It was also telling how Mikel Arteta made his way to Kyle Walker after the full-time whistle before asking him a question while covering his mouth. You can probably guess what that question was.
For City, tomorrow's tough trip to Bournemouth, just days after FA Cup glory at Wembley Stadium, looks a real difficult task. The champions must win to keep the race alive but the Cherries are unbeaten in 16 top-flight matches and can also take a crucial step towards Champions League qualification with victory.
It would not be a huge surprise if Arsenal were crowned champions on Tuesday evening.
Trossard shows quality
Leandro Trossard has been central to Arsenal's Double charge in recent weeks and he was crucial here again. The Belgian looked sharp and while his final ball was lacking at times, his balance, footwork and hunger was a sight to behold.
It's been a tough season on a personal level for the 31-year-old, who has had to deal with non-football related struggles but he's showcased his class and resilience to play a big role at the business end of the campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli is barely in the conversation now when it comes to the starting XI and providing he remains fit, Trossard looks a shoo-in for both Selhurst Park and Budapest.
On recent evidence, you cannot say starts in either of those matches would be unjust or unfair as he's earned it with his grit and determination.
Havertz delivers but gets lucky
It was a big call to leave Viktor Gyokeres out of the starting XI given how effective he's been of late, outside of West Ham.
But Havertz, who was fortunate not to be shown a second-half red card following a VAR check, has often proved to be the man for the big occasion for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta and here was no different.
After the frustration of Bukayo Saka's penalty shout being rebuffed, the German pounced to extinguish the lingering anxiety with a priceless glancing header. Outside of that, his link-play was intelligent, neat and tidy. Stylistically, there is such a difference in play styles between Havertz and Gyokeres.
A combination of the two would represent the perfect No.9 but when Havertz drops into pockets, Arsenal sometimes lack runners and speed in behind.
Trossard and Havertz, two guys having a good time!
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Trossard and Havertz, two guys having a good time!
Complacency in midfield
Perhaps it was because Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze both wanted to go forward but at times, Burnley were afforded so much space.
It was a bad look from Arsenal given they are no on the cusp of Premier League title glory.
It smacked of complacency and there were audible groans and boos from the Gunners supporters, who made it clear they were not willing to tolerate lethargic attitudes.
It's almost fitting of Arsenal's season that not only did they score a set-piece but they did not blow Burnley away, even with the Clarets already relegated.
Mikel Arteta will have been desperate for the Gunners to storm over the line but now they are limping towards the finish.
Still, there is also something to be said about grinding out wins, by hook or by crook, just as they did at the London Stadium.
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