A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley keeps Arsenal’s Premier League title dreams alive. Kai Havertz’s towering header before the break proved decisive as the Gunners now await Manchester City’s result to potentially secure the crown.

Arsenal managed to grind out a crucial three points against already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, with Kai Havertz’s powerful header from Bukayo Saka’s corner in stoppage time before half-time sealing the narrow win. The German international avoided a red card later in the game after a high tackle, ensuring his side maintained their composure in a nervy finish.

Match analysis: Gunners survive scare to stay in title race

From the outset, it was clear this would be a cagey affair. Burnley, organized defensively, looked to frustrate Arsenal, who struggled to break through early on. Leandro Trossard came closest to opening the scoring after combining neatly with Eberechi Eze, only for his effort to cannon off the post in the 15th minute. Bukayo Saka then forced a fine save from the Burnley goalkeeper with a low cross into the box.

Arsenal thought they had earned a penalty in the 34th minute when Saka went down under minimal contact from Lucas Pires, but replays confirmed the referee’s decision to play on. The Gunners’ frustration grew in the second half as Eze twice spurned gilt-edged chances within two minutes of the restart, including a volley that rattled the crossbar.

Havertz found himself at the center of controversy again late in the game when he escaped a red card for a high challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu, with both the referee and VAR opting against a sending-off. Arsenal weathered the storm, holding firm in a scrappy finish to secure the narrow victory.

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley: Who stood out?

Goalkeepers and defenders

• David Raya (6/10): Had little to do but made a crucial dive to keep out an early effort.
• Cristhian Mosquera (6/10): Showed composure in attack and defended resolutely when called upon.
• William Saliba (6/10): Dominated in possession and handled Zian Flemming’s physicality well.
• Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10): Operated almost as an auxiliary midfielder, pushing forward to aid attacks.
• Riccardo Calafiori (6/10): Delivered a no-nonsense performance with intelligent positioning in attack.

Midfielders

• Declan Rice (7/10): Performed his customary duties and made a crucial interception to preserve the lead.
• Martin Ødegaard (6/10): Often held onto the ball for too long but tried to drive play forward.
• Eberechi Eze (6/10): Struggled to convert two clear chances and faced jeers for an inaccurate pass, though he avoided further sanctions.

Forwards

• Bukayo Saka (7/10): Delivered the perfect corner for Havertz’s header and nearly scored himself. Worked hard defensively.
• Kai Havertz (7/10): Capitalized on a half-chance before powering home the decisive goal. Avoided dismissal late on before being substituted.
• Leandro Trossard (7/10): Unlucky to see a powerful ground shot hit the post. Showed intelligent movement and dribbling.

Substitutes and manager

• Piero Hincapie (6/10): Less impactful than Calafiori but fulfilled his role in protecting the lead late on.
• Viktor Györkös (6/10): Made several runs but couldn’t find the breakthrough to seal the win against Burnley.
• Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10): Involved in midfield battles as the game became scrappy.
• Gabriel Martinelli (unrated): Came on in stoppage time.
• Martin Zubimendi (N/A): Also introduced late by Arteta to manage the closing stages.
• Mikel Arteta (6/10): The performance wasn’t pretty, but for the manager and his players, the three points were all that mattered. One game remains.