Havertz fires Arsenal to brink of Premier League title

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Kai Havertz moved Arsenal to within one victory of lifting the Premier League title after scoring the decisive goal in a tense 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night.

The German forward struck in the 37th minute, rising highest to power home a Bukayo Saka corner and hand Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial victory in their penultimate league game of the season.

The win keeps Arsenal firmly in control of the title race and leaves the North London club needing just one more victory from their final league fixture to secure the Premier League crown.

Arsenal dominated possession for long spells and created several opportunities, but Burnley’s disciplined defending kept the contest alive until the closing stages.

Havertz proved the difference on the night, producing another influential display in Arsenal’s title charge before being substituted in the 73rd minute for Viktor Gyökeres.

Saka, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard also played key roles as Arsenal piled pressure on Burnley throughout the encounter.

Trossard came close late in the match, firing narrowly wide in the 89th minute, while Eberechi Eze struck the crossbar earlier in the second half as Arsenal searched for a second goal.

Burnley struggled to break through Arsenal’s organised defence, with goalkeeper David Raya rarely troubled despite a spirited effort from the visitors.

The victory sparked celebrations among the 60,274 supporters inside the Emirates, with fans sensing the club could finally end its long wait for another Premier League title.

Arteta’s side have now maintained their remarkable consistency in the closing weeks of the season and stand on the verge of completing one of the club’s most memorable league campaigns in recent years.

Arsenal will now head into their final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace knowing that another win would crown them champions.

On the other hand, Arsenal could win the league before their final game if Manchester City should lose or draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday.