Arsenal 1-0 Burnley: Havertz Fires Gunners Closer To Premier League Title

Gunners edge past Burnley to move one step closer to Premier League glory

Kai Havertz turned Arsenal’s hero on Monday evening as he rose to meet a Bukayo Saka corner from six yards out in the 37th minute to score the only goal of the game.

Havertz then became the centre of VAR controversy in the second half after his foul on Lesley Ugochukwu was deemed worthy of only a yellow card, despite the challenge appearing high, late, and with studs showing on the midfielder’s calf.

In a title race where both teams could potentially finish on the same number of points, goal difference could become crucial. However, for now, Mikel Arteta will simply be delighted to keep winning games, even by narrow margins.

Before kick-off on Monday evening, there was a strange mix of anticipation, excitement, and anxious chatter around the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal prepared for their penultimate game of the 2025/26 season and their final home match of the campaign.

Knowing that victory would not secure the title but could place one hand on the trophy, loyal supporters sang encouragement to their players as proceedings got underway.

The game began, unsurprisingly, with all the momentum in Arsenal’s favour. Eagerly searching for goals, the hosts were frustrated early on by an already-relegated Burnley F.C. side that defended resolutely.

The first major chance of the match fell to the Gunners.

Belgian winger Leandro Trossard received the ball on the left-hand side and drove centrally looking to unleash an effort on goal. When the shot finally came, it evaded the Burnley defenders and struck the bottom of the post before bouncing away.

Arteta’s side were clearly in the mood for goals and it felt only a matter of time before they found one.

Shortly afterwards, a dangerous low cross looked destined to reach Saka at the back post before the winger hit the floor under pressure from Lucas Pires. VAR judged the challenge to be a fair attempt at the ball, and no penalty was awarded.

Before long, Arsenal finally found the breakthrough.

The Gunners’ set-piece threat has been well documented this season, and this match proved no different. Saka delivered a wicked cross directly onto the head of Havertz from close range, and the German forward made no mistake in powering the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

The second half continued to test Arsenal supporters’ nerves as they urged their side forward in search of a second goal to provide greater comfort.

Eberechi Eze came closest after the break when a cross found him near the penalty spot. However, his mis-hit effort bounced onto the top of the crossbar and behind, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.

As chances dried up for both teams and the match looked set to finish with only one goal separating the sides, Ugochukwu attempted to break forward for Burnley before being caught by a late challenge from Havertz.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, but remarkably the Arsenal goalscorer was not shown a red card, allowing the Gunners to keep all eleven men on the pitch.

Full-time was met with an eruption of cheers from the stands as Arsenal moved to within just two points of Premier League history.

If Manchester City F.C. fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night, or Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace F.C. next weekend, Arteta will secure his first Premier League title as Arsenal manager.

Surely now, it is only a matter of time?