LONDON — Arsenal are now just one win away from ending a 22-year Premier League title drought, and Kai Havertz was the catalyst. The German forward’s 37th-minute header against relegation-battling Burnley gave the Gunners a 1-0 victory at Emirates Stadium, but controversy followed as the referee missed a potential red card incident involving Havertz later in the game.

The match was a masterclass in Arsenal’s resilience under Mikel Arteta, who has transformed the club from mid-table strugglers to title contenders. With two games remaining in the 2025/26 season, the pressure is now on Arsenal to secure their first league crown since 1997/98.

Havertz’s Heroics and the Near-Miss Red Card

Havertz, who started in place of in-form Viktor Gyokeres, repaid manager Mikel Arteta’s faith with a clinical finish. Bukayo Saka’s corner was met by Havertz in the box, who headed the ball past Nick Pope to give Arsenal the lead. The goal came in the 37th minute and immediately shifted the momentum in the Londoners’ favor.

However, the match took a dramatic turn midway through the second half when Havertz’s studs caught Burnley defender Lesley Ugochukwu on the left calf. The challenge was vicious—both feet off the ground, studs up—and left many pundits and fans questioning the referee’s decision to only award a yellow card.

Former England defender Gary Neville, commenting for Sky Sports, was scathing: “Vicious from Havertz. He is miles away from the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg.” Neville added, “He is a lucky boy.”

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) James Bell did not intervene, and the Premier League Match Centre later confirmed that the challenge was not deemed serious enough for a red card. The incident sparked debate among pundits, with former England goalkeeper Rob Green agreeing with Neville’s assessment on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Studs up, both feet off the ground, it’s high. There will be bunches of people referring back to still images where there have been red cards.”

One Win Away: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Burnley was their 34th win of the season, moving them to within one point of Manchester City, who remain in pole position with 95 points. With two matches left—against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur—Arsenal now face a daunting but not impossible challenge to overtake City.

If Arsenal win both remaining games and City drop points, the Gunners will be crowned champions. Even if City hold on, Arsenal’s second-place finish would still secure Champions League qualification, but the dream of a first title in 22 years remains tantalizingly close.

For Havertz, this season has been a rollercoaster. Since joining Arsenal in 2023 for a reported £65 million fee, he has become a key player in Arteta’s system, scoring 24 goals in 71 appearances. His ability to deliver in big moments—like this header against Burnley—has been crucial to Arsenal’s resurgence.

Key Moments: From Hero to Controversy

• 37′: Havertz’s Header – Bukayo Saka’s corner finds Havertz, who powers home to give Arsenal the lead. The goal lifts the Emirates Stadium and sends a message to the opposition.
• 65′: The Near-Red Card Incident – Havertz’s challenge on Ugochukwu is met with outrage from pundits and fans, but VAR does not intervene. The referee’s decision to only book Havertz sparks debate.
• 72′: Arteta Substitutes Havertz – With the match already decided, Arteta brings on Gyokeres, who had been sidelined earlier in the season.
• 90′: Arsenal Hold On – Despite Burnley’s late pressure, Arsenal defend resolutely to secure the three points.

Statistics: Arsenal’s Title Charge in Context

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley was their 34th victory of the season, matching their highest win total since the 2017/18 campaign. Havertz’s goal was his 24th for the club this term, continuing his impressive form since joining from Chelsea in 2023.

Arteta’s Masterstroke: Substituting Havertz

Arteta’s decision to start Havertz instead of Gyokeres paid off, as the German forward delivered a crucial goal. However, the near-red card incident forced Arteta’s hand, and he substituted Havertz at halftime, bringing on Gyokeres. This move was seen as a tactical necessity rather than a punishment, given the controversy surrounding the challenge.

Burnley, now relegated after finishing bottom of the table, were unable to mount a serious challenge. Arsenal’s defense, led by captain Martin Ødegaard, was solid, while their midfield controlled the tempo of the game. The win keeps Arsenal’s title hopes alive and sets up a thrilling final stretch of the season.

22 Years in the Making: Arsenal’s Title Drought

Arsenal’s last Premier League title came in the 1997/98 season under Arsène Wenger, who won three titles in his first four years at the club. Since then, the Gunners have come agonizingly close—finishing second in 2007/08, 2015/16, and 2017/18—but have never quite managed to break the barrier.

This season, under Arteta, Arsenal have shown consistency and depth, with key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba forming the backbone of the team. Havertz’s arrival has added a clinical edge up front, making Arsenal a genuine threat to challenge Manchester City.

Reactions: Players, Pundits, and Fans

“It’s a massive game for us. We’re one step away from becoming champions, and that’s what football is about. We’ll take it match by match now.”

“Havertz was lucky to stay on the pitch. That was a vicious challenge. I don’t think VAR should have got involved, but the referee’s decision was the right one.”

Arsenal fans celebrated the win on social media, with many highlighting Havertz’s goal as the moment that could define the season. The controversy over the red card added an extra layer of drama, but the focus remains on the next two matches.

Final Two Matches: Arsenal’s Path to Glory

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are:

• May 24, 2026 (Friday) – Chelsea (Away)
• May 28, 2026 (Tuesday) – Tottenham Hotspur (Home)

If Arsenal win both games and Manchester City drop points, they will be crowned champions. Even if they don’t, a second-place finish would secure Champions League football, but the dream of a first title in 22 years remains within reach.

Key Takeaways

• Arsenal are one win away from their first Premier League title in 22 years.
• Kai Havertz’s header against Burnley was the decisive moment, but controversy followed over a near-red card incident.
• With two matches left, Arsenal must win both to overtake Manchester City.
• Mikel Arteta’s tactical decisions and squad depth have been crucial to Arsenal’s resurgence.
• The final stretch of the season promises to be one of the most dramatic in Premier League history.