Arsenal recorded a nervy 1-0 win over already relegated Burnley and could be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday if Manchester City don’t beat Bournemouth.
However, if City beat the Cherries, who are unbeaten in 16 games ahead of the match, live on Sky Sports, the race for the Premier League title will go to the final day.
Tuesday, May 19th 7pm
7:30pm kickoff
After being greeted by loud cheers from the team bus, Arsenal took their time, despite Mikel Arteta’s very attacking line-up, but their pressure ultimately led to a goal.
Leandro Trossard hit the post and Martin Odegaard had a good opportunity deflected wide before Kai Havertz nodded in Bukayo Saka’s corner kick to score Arsenal’s 24th league goal of the season from a set-piece. This was his 18th goal from a corner kick.
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Kai Havertz heads home and Arsenal take the lead!
With goal difference likely to be decisive in the final match of the season, Arsenal pushed further, with Eberechi Eze hitting the bar, but his header from close range was blocked by Maxime Estebe.
A controversial moment then came as Havertz made a tough challenge on Leslie Ugochukwu. Referee Paul Tierney issued a warning to the Arsenal striker, but VAR James Bell opted to uphold the on-field decision, taking into account serious foul play.
Gary Neville, co-commentary, said: “It’s terrible. It’s a vicious act by Havertz.”
“I think it’s a red, there’s no way you can get the ball, all you can do is hurt the players there.
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Kai Havertz avoids sending off for second-half challenge
“I don’t think[the VAR call]was right. He’s a lucky boy. I would have sent him off the pitch right away.”
Despite the tense atmosphere at the Emirates, Burnley didn’t threaten Arsenal’s goal too much, but who knows what would have happened if the Gunners had lost a player.
Instead, Arsenal stand on the brink of the title. Arteta’s team are almost there.
Arteta praises defensive resilience – supports Bournemouth
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta:
“The biggest Bournemouth fan of all time! To Andoni and to all the Bournemouth players and all the supporters, I think because we all know what it means to get a result tomorrow.”
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Mikel Arteta’s post-match reaction to Arsenal’s victory over Burnley, taking them one step closer to the Premier League title.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game. I think we played our best football of the season in the first half. It was very disappointing not to get a couple of points. And that became the story of the season.”
“If you can’t do that, make sure you defend certain moments very efficiently. Don’t give anything to the opponent and get the three points.”
“The drive and behavior that each player shows towards their defensive duties is incredible. And so is the work of the coaches, and we all know how important that is and how many results and wins we have achieved because of it.”
Jackson: Havertz should have seen red
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Jamie Carragher and Patrick Vieira analyze Kai Havertz’s yellow card for a foul on Leslie Ugochukwu and its impact on the Premier League title race.
Burnley interim head coach Mike Jackson:
“Looking back at the game and looking at the way the game was refereed today, I don’t like the ejected player, but it’s a red card. He’s dangerous and it’s cynical to leave the floor and stop the play. It’s disappointing that we didn’t get that, but it changed the game in our favor.”
“That speed. I know the referees did a tough job. You can see it from different angles, frame by frame.
Did his team just play the champions? “It could be. There’s still a game left. You know what’s going to happen. Not taking anything away from that team at all.
“They’re really strong in every phase of the game. They have a real defensive side that a lot of Premier League teams don’t have. That’s their foundation. That’s what will help them win the title.”
Analysis: This was the story of Arsenal’s season
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Emirates Stadium:
It was a game that summed up Arsenal’s entire Premier League season. Set piece goal, clean sheet, a little nervous. However, they emerged victorious.
Now they have Manchester City where they want them. Arsenal return home to Bournemouth on Tuesday night to find out if Josep Guardiola can end Europe’s longest unbeaten run. Andoni Iraola’s side are unbeaten in their last 16 games with the Cherries heading into their final home game.
What a difference a month makes for Arsenal.
They lost to Manchester City on April 19th. Erling Haaland was in the mood to sing about City’s title chances, with a banner reading ‘Panic on the streets of London’ being unveiled by City fans.
He might be crowned champion on May 19th.
It’s actually a “party on the streets of London”, as Arsenal fans announced before the match. Arsenal have not conceded a goal from open play since that game against City. Solid defense will lead the Gunners to victory.
You’re 180 minutes away from glory, or just 90 minutes away.
Neville and Carragher discuss whether title will be decided on Tuesday
Gary Neville from Sky Sports:
“For Man City’s side, they only have two games left and for Arsenal they only have one game left, so this result could be a blow to them.
“They may go into tomorrow’s game a little disappointed with today’s result.”
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:
“Are you thinking about the Aston Villa situation, if they won the Europa League and celebrated, what would happen against Man City?
“Oliver Glasner’s last appearance in a European final was four days earlier, with only one change made.
“Palace don’t have a big team, so if you look at what Oliver Glasner has done in the past, he’s played with almost full teams.
“If Man City win tomorrow then Arsenal will be really nervous this week and as we saw tonight it was a bit tense.
“Maybe being away from home will do them a little bit of good. You can feel the tension in the stadium.”
