An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola’s team win their final two matches.
To add extra intrigue to the final days of the season, reports on Monday suggest Guardiola will leave City after a decade in charge after Villa visit the Etihad on Sunday.
Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease.
Burnley have taken just two points from their past 10 matches but made Mikel Arteta’s men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates.
Leandro Trossard struck the post from the edge of the area before Bukayo Saka saw a penalty appeal waved away as he attempted to turn in Havertz’s low cross.
Arsenal were forced to rely on their setpiece threat once more to prise Burnley open.
Havertz rose highest to power in Saka’s delivery on 37 minutes as they scored from a corner for the 18th time in the league this season.
Yet the floodgates did not open and Arsenal were very fortunate not to have to defend their lead with 10 men for the final quarter.
Havertz raked his studs down the calf of Lesley Ugochukwu in a mistimed challenge.
Despite a VAR review, the original decision of a yellow card was not upgraded to red.
Havertz was quickly replaced by Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede’s arrival failed to kickstart Arsenal as an attacking force.
But their rock solid defensive record again edged them closer to the title.
Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their past four league games.
– AFP
