SOCCER: Arsenal close in on title with narrow win over Burnley

LONDON — Arsenal moved within touching distance of their first Premier League title in 22 years after a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal at Emirates Stadium.

Havertz broke Burnley’s resistance shortly before halftime, heading home a corner from Bukayo Saka to secure a crucial win for Arsenal in the title race. The victory moved Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top of the standings with one match remaining.

Arsenal now have 82 points from 37 matches, while defending champions Manchester City sit on 77 points with two games left. Arsenal can officially clinch the league title if City fail to defeat AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Should Manchester City win, Arsenal would still control their destiny heading into Sunday’s final-day clash against Crystal Palace.

“I’m going to be the biggest Bournemouth fan,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after the match. “I’ll be in front of the TV, but I don’t know how much I’ll be able to watch.”

Arsenal entered the match carrying momentum after winning three straight league games without conceding a goal. The club has also reached the UEFA Champions League final, fueling excitement among supporters before kickoff as thousands gathered outside the stadium to welcome the team bus.

Despite Burnley’s relegation already being confirmed, the visitors made life difficult for Arsenal early in the game and threatened to take a surprise lead on several counterattacks.

The home side gradually settled into the match and created chances through Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze before finally breaking through from another dangerous set piece. Saka delivered a precise corner and Havertz guided a header past Burnley goalkeeper Max Weiss for Arsenal’s 18th league goal from a corner this season.

Arsenal continued to push after the break but failed to extend their lead, leaving fans anxious deep into stoppage time. Havertz also escaped a potential red card after VAR reviewed his challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, with the German receiving only a yellow card.

A loud roar erupted around Emirates Stadium after the final whistle as Arsenal players celebrated with a lap of honor, though the title race remains unresolved heading into the final week of the season.

“There is a game tomorrow, and anything can happen,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said. “We can’t get ahead of ourselves. All we can control is ourselves and going out there on Sunday and winning.” -Additional reporting by Christian Radnedge, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters