SOCCER: Arsenal edge closer to league title with narrow win over Burnley

LONDON — Arsenal moved a step closer to their first Premier League title since 2004 after a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley at home on Monday, with German forward Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal from a corner.

Arsenal started slowly against already-relegated Burnley, aware that any dropped points could open the door for Manchester City to close the gap when they face Bournemouth on Tuesday ahead of the final matchday this weekend.

The home side gradually took control and broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Havertz rose highest to head in a Bukayo Saka corner.

In the second half, Havertz avoided a red card after a late studs-up challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review upheld the referee’s original decision to issue only a yellow card.

The win keeps Arsenal at the top of the standings with 82 points, five points clear of Manchester City. -Reporting by Christian Radnedge, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters