Arsenal have moved tantalisingly close to ending their 22-year Premier League title drought after securing a tense 1-0 victory over already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners now sit five points ahead of Manchester City with the defending champions still having two matches remaining.
Here’s where it gets exciting for Arsenal fans: if Pep Guardiola’s side fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta’s team will be crowned champions without kicking another ball.
It’s worth noting that Bournemouth head into that clash on a remarkable 16-game unbeaten run, giving Arsenal supporters genuine reason for optimism.
Kai Havertz scored the winner for Arsenal but was perhaps lucky not to be sent off later
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The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Havertz rose brilliantly to meet Saka’s perfectly delivered inswinging corner, heading past Burnley goalkeeper Max Weiss from close range.
It was Arsenal’s 24th goal from set pieces in the league this campaign, with an impressive 18 of those coming from corners.
Before finding the net, the Gunners had created several promising opportunities without reward.
Leandro Trossard struck the post with a powerful effort from 23 yards, while captain Martin Odegaard saw a decent chance deflected wide.
Saka also watched one of his crosses drift agonisingly across the goalmouth with no teammate able to apply the finishing touch.
Arsenal are now just one win away from the Premier League title
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The match wasn’t without controversy, however.
Havertz found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a late challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu that many felt warranted more than the yellow card shown by referee Paul Tierney.
VAR official James Bell reviewed the incident for potential serious foul play but ultimately decided to stick with the on-field decision.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was far from impressed with the outcome.
“It’s a horrible one, it’s vicious from Havertz,” Neville said. “I think this is a red. There’s no way you’re getting the ball, you can only hurt the player there.
“I don’t think [the VAR call is] right – he’s a lucky boy. I’d get him off the pitch straight away.”
“I don’t think that’s right…”
Gary Neville REACTS to Kai Havertz’s challenge on Ugochukwu’s calf. pic.twitter.com/O1xCHEX6WI
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026
Arsenal’s destiny now rests firmly in their own hands heading into the final weekend of the season.
Arteta’s side travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace, knowing that a win will guarantee them the title regardless of what City do in their remaining fixtures.
Mikel Arteta might be the first man to finally deliver a Premier League title at Arsenal since Arsene Wenger in 2004
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History is also on their side – no team that has entered the final weekend of the Premier League season at the top of the table has ever failed to lift the trophy.
For a club that hasn’t tasted league glory since 2004, the wait could finally be over within days.
