Arsenal’s path to victory was never in doubt, but their narrow 1-0 win over Burnley kept nerves jangled until the final whistle. Mikel Arteta’s side had entered the evening with a single objective: three points to maintain their lead at the summit. A draw would have handed the initiative to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who had been closing the gap all season.

The breakthrough arrived on 37 minutes, after a routine corner. Kai Havertz rose highest to power a header past Burnley goalkeeper Max Weiss, sending the Emirates into raptures. Arsenal dominated possession for large spells, finishing with a 62%-38% advantage, though their hosts rarely looked like adding to the scoreline.

Havertz could have been dismissed late in the contest. The German forward made a reckless challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, leaving the referee no option but to brandish a second yellow. Fortunately for Arsenal, the card was not upgraded to red, and their lead held firm.

Victory means Arsenal remain in pole position for their first top-flight title since 2004. The trophy could be theirs as soon as Tuesday night, provided Manchester City stumble at Bournemouth in their 20:30 kick-off. Six days later, Arsenal face a far greater challenge: a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30 at 18:00.