Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a nervy 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz’s second-half header from a corner proving the difference on the night.
The German met Bukayo Saka’s corner with power and accuracy in the 37th minute, sending the ball into the far corner over Burnley goalkeeper Max Weiss to send Emirates Stadium into a frenzy.
It was another set-piece goal for Arsenal, who have now scored from dead-ball situations in 22 different Premier League games this season, their most in a single campaign. 
Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight last season, made life difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side throughout, sitting deep and frustrating the Gunners in attack. The visitors had little in the way of clear-cut chances but were industrious and physical, drawing several fouls and bookings across the 90 minutes.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said the Gunners stayed patient and executed their plan despite the pressure of the occasion.
“The Premier League is always tough, no matter who you play. We started well and it felt like a matter of time till we got the goal. We started well, stayed focused and got the goal as we always do. We have to go for the second one, keep a clean sheet and get some more goals,” Odegaard said.
Arteta made a triple substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Viktor Gyokeres, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie, with Havertz, Ebere Eze and Riccardo Calafiori making way. Late changes also saw Gabriel Martinelli replace Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi come on for Odegaard in the closing stages.
Gyokeres, who has scored four goals in his last four Premier League games at the Emirates and netted in all four of his league matches for Arsenal against newly promoted sides this season, added fresh energy up front but could not find a second goal.
Burnley picked up three yellow cards on the night, with Lucas Pires, Zian Flemming and Havertz himself all booked before the German was substituted.
Pundit Martin Keown said Arsenal did just enough to get over the line.
“Arsenal scrambled over the line, it wasn’t easy, but they’re finding a way to win. A signature goal from a set piece, more George Graham than Arsene Wenger, and it’s over to Man City now. Arsenal are in pole position,” Keown said.
Fellow pundit Michael Owen agreed that it was far from a convincing display.
“Tonight wasn’t convincing. Arsenal have been convincing all season but they weren’t tonight. They’ll need to step it up at Crystal Palace on Sunday, but there’s no getting away from it, this was an important win,” Owen said.
Arsenal’s win means they can be crowned Premier League champions on Monday if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth. The Gunners have now spent 556 nights at the top of the table since the 2022-23 season, more than 200 nights more than any other side in that period, with Liverpool second on 355.
Bukayo Saka also reached a personal milestone during the match, becoming only the third player to score 50 or more Premier League goals and provide 50 or more Premier League assists for Arsenal, joining Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp in that exclusive company.
Arsenal’s final league match of the season is against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
