Arsenal on brink of Premier League title after 1-0 win over Burnley

Arsenal are on the verge of ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League after a 1-0 victory over Burnley opened a five-point lead at the top of the table.

Kai Havertz scored the lone goal on Monday but escaped a second-half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City’s favor.

The Gunners could be crowned champions as early as Tuesday if City fail to beat Bournemouth.

Even if City extend Bournemouth’s 16-game unbeaten run to a defeat and then beat Aston Villa, Arsenal would secure the title with a win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side already relegated offers City a glimmer of hope.

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.

Adding intrigue to the season’s final days, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decorated decade in charge, following Villa’s visit to the Etihad on Sunday.

Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game, Arsenal were expected to dispatch Burnley with ease.

Burnley, with just two points from their last 10 matches, forced the hosts to work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.

Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area, and Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waved away as he attempted to turn in Havertz’s low cross.

Arsenal again relied on their set-piece threat to break down Burnley.

Havertz rose highest to power in Saka’s delivery from a corner in the 37th minute, marking their 18th league goal from a corner this season.

Yet the floodgates did not open, and Arsenal were fortunate not to defend the lead with 10 men for the final quarter.

Havertz raked his studs down Lesley Ugochukwu’s calf in a mistimed challenge.

Despite a VAR review, the original yellow card was not upgraded to red.

Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, whose arrival failed to reignite Arsenal’s attack.

But their rock-solid defensive record edged them closer to the title once more.

Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games.