Arsenal are on the cusp of winning the Premier League title after overcoming relegated Burnley 1-0 on Tuesday (AEST).
Kai Havertz’s first-half strike was all that separated the two sides in the club’s penultimate fixture at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal put one hand on the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal are on track to snap their 22-year Premier League drought, with the Gunners five points clear of defending champions Manchester City – who have a game in hand.
Mikel Arteta’s close out their league season away to Crystal Palace on Monday (AEST), but they could be crowned champions before kicking a ball if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Wednesday morning (AEST).
Kai Havertz was the beneficiary of the latest VAR decision to go Arsenal’s way, with his late, studs-up tackle from behind on Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu looking like a textbook red card – but VAR ruled a yellow was sufficient.
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: An official image has been released of Kai Havertz' challenge.
Studs above the ankle is a 100% red card in the book of rules, but VAR decided NOT to give it. pic.twitter.com/pzqOIwb9Cp — The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) May 18, 2026
VAR decision on Kai Havertz challenge is a yellow card 😬
Honestly, I think Arsenal got away with one here. pic.twitter.com/IbiHuVt225 — Goaldata – Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) May 18, 2026
That’s a red. Studs up by Havertz. Serious foul play. Yellow given, and confirmed by VAR. Lucky boy. #AFC #ARSBUR — Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 18, 2026
That decision came just a week after Arsenal claimed a dramatic win over West Ham courtesy of VAR overturning a stoppage time goal against the Gunners due to a foul on goalkeeper David Raya.
Havertz was subbed off a short time after his lucky escape on Tuesday morning (AEST) as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta looked to shore up their 1-0 lead, which came courtesy of Havertz’s first-half header, and they were successful in that regard as the full-time whistle saw huge celebrations for Arteta and his players.
More to come…