Arsenal are on the verge of winning the Premier League title after a narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley at the Emirates on Monday evening, with Kai Havertz netting the decisive goal in a match that had more than a little edge to it.
Mikel Arteta's side did what they needed to do, grinding out three points in front of a home crowd that will now be watching Tuesday's fixture between Manchester City and Bournemouth with extreme interest. Arteta himself was cagey when asked whether he intends to monitor events at the Vitality Stadium, though the noises out of north London suggest the belief is very much there that this title is Arsenal's to lose.
Havertz The Hero — But Lucky To Stay On?
Havertz's goal proved the difference, though the German forward was fortunate to still be on the pitch at full-time. Arteta was pressed on whether his goalscorer should have been shown a red card during the contest, with the Arsenal manager offering a measured response rather than a definitive denial. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the incident, the three points stay at the Emirates, and that is all that matters at this stage of the season.
Guardiola Set To Walk Away From City
The news breaking away from Arsenal's title push is equally significant. Reports are gathering pace that Pep Guardiola is set to step down as Manchester City manager at the end of the current season, with the final game of the campaign now expected to mark the conclusion of his extraordinary tenure at the club. BBC Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel has been across the story, and the indications are that Guardiola's time in the blue half of Manchester is drawing to a close.
It would be a seismic moment for English football. Guardiola arrived at City in 2016 and transformed the club into the dominant force in the Premier League and, at various points, European football. The timing adds yet another layer of drama to what is already a breathless final week of the season. Should Arsenal confirm the title before City's final fixture, Guardiola would potentially be bowing out without the trophy he will have been desperate to finish on.
What Else Is On The Table This Week?
Elsewhere, Celtic claimed the Scottish Premiership title in dramatic fashion on the final day, raising the question of whether a Hearts triumph would have been healthier for the broader Scottish game — a debate that divides opinion sharply north of the border.
At Liverpool, Arne Slot faces a decision over Mohamed Salah ahead of the Reds' final match of the season, following public comments from the striker that have stirred discussion about his future and his relationship with the club's management. Whether Slot drops Salah for the occasion remains to be seen, but it is a conversation the Anfield dressing room could do without at this point in the calendar.
And with the Championship Play-Off Final also on the horizon, Hull City assistant manager Dean Holden confirmed the Tigers are preparing without yet knowing their opponents — a final that could have significant consequences for the make-up of next season's Premier League.
It is, in short, a week of genuine consequence across multiple competitions. But for now, all eyes point to the south coast on Tuesday evening, where Manchester City's result will either confirm Arsenal as champions or keep the title race alive for one more round.
Frequently asked
- Did Arsenal win the Premier League title against Burnley?
- No, not yet. Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to move a step closer to the title, but confirmation depends on Manchester City's result at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
- Is Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City?
- Reports are strongly suggesting Guardiola will step down at the end of the season after the final game. BBC correspondent Sami Mokbel has been reporting on the story, and the noises out of the club indicate his departure is likely.
- Who scored for Arsenal against Burnley?
- Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game, though there was some controversy over whether he should have been sent off during the match.
