Kai Havertz winner sends Arsenal to brink of the Premier League title despite red-card controversy

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Premier League title after a narrow 1-0 win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, but Kai Havertz’s match-winning display was overshadowed by a major refereeing controversy.

Havertz scored the only goal of the game in the 37th minute, rising highest to head home a Bukayo Saka corner and hand Mikel Arteta’s side three vital points.

The result moved Arsenal five points clear and left them needing just one more result to go their way in the title race.

Despite Arsenal controlling large parts of the game and creating several opportunities, the biggest talking point came in the second half.

Havertz flew into a challenge on Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu and was shown a yellow card by referee Paul Tierney. VAR reviewed the incident for serious foul play but decided against upgrading the punishment.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville strongly disagreed with the decision.

“It’s a horrible one, it’s vicious from Havertz,” said Gary Neville on co-commentary.

“I think this is a red. There’s no way you’re getting the ball, you can only hurt the player there.

“I don’t think [the VAR call is] right – he’s a lucky boy. I’d get him off the pitch straight away.”

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Arteta already looking towards Bournemouth

While Arsenal secured another huge win, Arteta immediately turned his attention to events elsewhere.

“The biggest Bournemouth fan ever! To Andoni, and all the players and all the supporters of Bournemouth, I think we all are because we know what it means if they get a result.

“I knew it was going to be tough. I think in the first half we played some of the best football we have played this season.

“We were very unfortunate not to score two or three goals and then that was the story of the season.

“If we cannot do that, make sure that we are extremely efficient in defending certain moments. Not giving anything away to the opponent and winning the three points.”

Arteta also praised his side’s defensive discipline.

“The desire every single player shows in their defensive duties, their behaviours, is phenomenal,” he added.

“And the work by the coaches as well, we all know the importance of that and how many results and wins we have because of that.”

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Burnley frustrated by decision

Burnley caretaker head coach Mike Jackson admitted he felt his side had been denied a major turning point in the game.

“I’ve seen it back and the way the game is reffed today – and I don’t like people sent off – it’s a red card. He’s dangerous, leaving the floor, it’s cynical to break up play.

“Disappointed we didn’t get that, it changes the game in our favour.

“The speed that it goes at. I know the ref has done a tough job. Frame by frame, you can see that from a number of angles.”

Jackson also suggested Arsenal now look like champions.

“Potentially, yeah. There are still games to play. You know what can happen. Take nothing away from that team at all.

“They’re really strong in all phases of the game. The one thing that they’ve got that a lot of Premier League teams don’t is that real defensive side.

“It’s their foundation. That will go on to win them the title.”

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