A set-piece goal, 1-0 to the Arsenal and a nervy, stressful atmosphere inside Emirates Stadium. How very appropriate for Mikel Arteta and his players that the last home game of the campaign ended like this. As ever, the manager was a hyped up jack-in-the-box pleading frantically with the fourth official for the final whistle to be blown in the 98th minute after seven minutes of added time were shown.
Arsenal did not want it this way but it has become a theme of their season and will help define how they are remembered. They really have not made it easy for themselves. So why change now?
And so all eyes now on the Vitality Stadium. If Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth, who have not been defeated at home since early January, then Arsenal can party like it is 2004.
That was the last time they were crowned Premier League champions. Back then it felt almost normal, with Arsène Wenger delivering the title three times in six years. So now it will feel extra special after having to wait two long, sometimes painful, often frustrating and occasionally embarrassing decades.
Arsenal are so close they can taste it. They can sense and feel it after Kai Havertz’s goal gave them the precious, necessary victory against relegated Burnley.
The header from a corner was the 19th from a set-piece in the league for Arsenal, the joint record in a 38-game season.
In a Premier League campaign studded with controversy Havertz was later fortunate to escape a sending off, for an undeniably ugly lunge, and if Arsenal had been reduced to 10 men then who knows how this would have ended.
Referee Paul Tierney showed Havertz the yellow card and maybe that influenced the reaction of the VAR, James Bell. But the consensus was that Havertz’s challenge on Lesley Ugochukwu was not only cynical but dangerous and he should have seen red.
Another VAR decision in Arsenal’s favour? For sure. And after the dramatic disallowing of a goal by West Ham United last week, for a foul on David Raya, there will be a sense that fortune is favouring them. Conversely they will believe they are making their own luck.
Certainly it would have been even more fretful than it was if Havertz was dismissed. And it was very fretful.
If City do win – and Arsenal were the last side to take the points at Bournemouth – then it goes to the final day. Arsenal will be away to Crystal Palace and City are at home to Aston Villa.
To add extra drama we now know that will be Pep Guardiola’s final game in charge after 10 remarkable years at City. Will there be another twist?
If Arsenal win on Sunday, again they are champions. Otherwise they will simply have to match City’s result. No matter what happens before then their destiny is in their hands and that is a position they craved.
The disappointment for Arsenal here was they did not score more against Burnley as this was an opportunity to rack up a lead in terms of goal difference – which might also come into the equation – that they did not take.
But it was the win and, really, nothing but the win that mattered in what was absolutely a game of two contrasting halves. In the first, Arsenal were fully in control and should have scored more – Leandro Trossard hit a post, other chances were not taken, with Eberechi Eze later clipping the crossbar after the break. In the second it was almost backs-against-the-wall. Especially in that final 20 minutes when they yet again leant heavily on Declan Rice.
At the end the jubilant reaction was understandable. There were even tears of relief from some fans. After the stadium announcer called it – “1-0 to the Arsenal” – first captain Martin Odegaard and then Arteta took the mic as the players and staff stood around the centre circle in what looked like a choreographed approach before embarking on a lap of appreciation.
It was the 19th time in all competitions this season that Arsenal have won by a single goal and the 11th – including the last four – by this scoreline.
“The story of the season,” Arteta later said. “Make sure we are extremely efficient and don’t give anything away to the opponent.”
He rightly added that it was in Arsenal hands before holding up his hand, extending four fingers to show the four wins since that defeat at City which appeared to have shifted the momentum away from him. He just wants to extend that final digit.
“After the Man City game there were five, in a hand, now it is four done,” Arteta said, adding: “We will wait to see something beautiful tomorrow night. I am planning to watch it with my family but I don’t know for how long!”
Those post-match scenes on the pitch went on for a long time and, no doubt, the celebration police will be out to criticise Arsenal. But by the time they next play at the Emirates they might not just be Premier League winners but Champions League holders and so they were entitled to commune with their supporters.
A banner was unfurled that read “Mikel knows” – a reference to that famous one that used to adorn Highbury in praise of Wenger – and maybe, if they get over the line, Arsenal are embarking on a new dynasty of success.
And the goal? Odegaard’s goalbound shot was deflected for a corner and, from it, Havertz was allowed to rise and head in from close-range. “Set-piece again, ole, ole,” sang the jubilant Arsenal fans and who could blame them as they added to it with “1-0 to the Arsenal”. Not that they expected it to stay that way. But it did, yet again, and yet again it was enough. Just.
Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports
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“It was another massive win. We knew it was going to be tough, especially when we did not close the game out with the chances in the first half. You could sense the tension. One to go. It was some of the best football we have played this season in the first half, and we should have scored two or three goals. It is never going to be easy, especially with the quality of the Premier League. Every club has an incredible spirit, and that is the beauty of this league. I do not know yet [whether he will watch Manchester City’s game tomorrow], let’s enjoy tonight. We know prepare for the Crystal Palace game in the best possible way.
Of course Arteta said he had not seen the Kai Havertz tackle. You can almost guarantee that had that been the other way around he would definitely have “seen it”.
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports
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"I think the nerves will really kick in with Arsenal this week"@Carra23 says the Gunners will feel the pressure if Man City pick up points against Bournemouth. pic.twitter.com/ZQnfDTGWS5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026
THAT Havertz tackle
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"How the referee hasn't given a red card straight away, I don't know"@Carra23 & Patrick Viera debate over Kai Havertz's challenge on Burnley's Lesley Ugochukwu. pic.twitter.com/xiAGuwwSq3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026
Patrick Vieira on Sky Sports
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“Arsenal managed to win the game. They got the three points. That is what it was about. Now the title is still in their hands going into the final game at Crystal Palace. Of course, [Mikel] Arteta knew it would be a difficult game. The season was over but you have to give them credit. They played quite seriously. From Arsenal’s point of view, it was a good first half with a lot of tempo and chances.
“But that dropped after half-time. They managed it really well though, they did not concede chances and it was a good team performance. That result can hurt Manchester City. They will go into the game tomorrow a little disappointed after the Arsenal result tonight.”
Gary Neville on Sky Sports
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026"They're on the brink but they did make it difficult for themselves!"
Gary Neville reacts to Arsenal's vital win against Burnley! pic.twitter.com/mcF4SDl35A
Remaining games in the title race
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Tuesday May 19:
Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Sunday May 24:
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Arsenal will win the league tomorrow night if Manchester City fail to win away at Bournemouth. If Manchester City win, then it will go to the final day and there would be two points in it.
Arsenal one step closer to ending their long title wait
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It feels entirely appropriate that Arsenal’s final home game of the season featured a goal from a corner, a tireless midfield performance by Declan Rice, an unnecessarily nervous final 20 minutes and, crucially, three points at the final whistle. Another step closer.
FT stats
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Possession: Arsenal 61%-39% Burnley
Shots: 13-5
Shots on target: 3-0
Corners: 3-3
Touches in opposition box: 38-7
Full time
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The final whistle is blown and Arsenal claim a huge three points. Havertz’s goal proves to be the difference but once more Arsenal were very lucky, with Havertz somehow not being sent off. They go five points clear of Manchester City, who have to win at Bournemouth tomorrow night to stay in the title race.
90+7 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Raya is clearly wasting so much time yet is not being booked.
90+6 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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As we approach the seventh minute of added time, there will still be a few minutes more to play beyond that.
90+5 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Martinelli thinks he is through one-on-one but Walker gets back and outmuscles the Brazilian.
90+4 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Pires is the latest player into the book tonight for a high boot on Saka. That is a ridiculous decision from Paul Tierney. Pires got their first clearly, got the ball and did not then make contact with Saka’s head. There have been some shocking decisions tonight.
90+3 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Those two changes are going to probably mean we will now see around nine added minutes.
90+2 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Arsenal are going to make a late double change as Zubimendi and Martinelli are coming on. Trossard and Odegaard make way.
90+1 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Flemming is into the book for a foul on Raya.
90 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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The answer is that there will be seven added minutes.
89 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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How many added minutes are there going to be? My guess would be six or seven. I would be shocked if it was any less than that.
87 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Huge ovation for Gyokeres as he battles to win a throw-in downfield for Arsenal. That’s where they are right now: fighting for the scraps and margins. This has been so much more complicated than many would have expected, but it is also quite an appropriate way for the final home game at the Emirates to end. So many of Arsenal’s matches this season have been like this.
83 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Whilst this game comes towards a close, there is huge breaking news emerging from Manchester City.
82 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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The last throws of the dice from Burnley see Bruun Larsen and Humphreys come on.
78 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Arsenal want a penalty as Gyokeres goes down. Weiss took way too long on the ball inside his own box and Gyokeres looked to nick it off the Burnley keeper but Weiss did get his foot to the ball so no foul.
77 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Change for Burnley as Ward-Prowse replaces Luis. Could Ward-Prowse’s prowess from set-pieces come in handy for Burnley?
76 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Another Arsenal player escapes without an adequate punishment. First it was Trossard not being booked in the first half, then it was Havertz not being sent off moments ago, and now Hincapie is not booked for a shove off the ball on Tchaouna.
74 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Here is the farcical explanation as to why Havertz did not see red:
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) May 18, 2026#ARSBUR – 67'
The referee's call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play.
72 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Typical! A matter of minutes after Havertz should have been sent off, he is substituted by Mikel Arteta. Eze and Calafiori also head off, with Gyokeres, Lewis-Skelly and Hincapie coming on.
Here is what Gary Neville has had to say on that Havertz tackle:
“I don’t think that’s right. I think he’s a lucky boy, I’d get him off the pitch straight away, That is not good. The referee’s got a great view of it. It’s not just the trip, it’s the studs on the leg above the ball. He needs to leave the pitch now, Mikel Arteta has to get him off.”
69 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Burnley are making a double change as Laurent and Amdouni come on.
67 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Havertz is the first Arsenal player into the book for a nasty challenge on Ugochukwu. This is a dreadful challenge from Havertz. It has to be a red card. How big a moment is this going to be? VAR has to intervene as this is appalling from Havertz.
This is farcical. It has an absolute dead-cert red card but yet VAR has not intervened. That is a disgrace. Once more, VAR will be at the centre of conversation due to how inept and inadequate it is. How can you look at that and not show a red card without doubt?
Kai Havertz might well be the luckiest man in north London. I’m not quite sure how he’s avoided a red card there. It’s a lunge, studs-up, onto the back of the calf. Arsenal were perhaps a little unfortunate not to get a penalty in the first half but that has more than evened out now.
65 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Arsenal had a lot of control in the first half but they have not managed to replicate that since the break. Burnley are just starting to grow into this game with the nerves building inside the Emirates.
61 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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You can just sense a little bit of nervousness creeping into the Emirates right now. Whilst this game stays at 1-0, anything could happen, however a goal now for Arsenal would kill off this game.
55 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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That is a crucial block from Esteve. Trossard plays Havertz in behind and the latter hooks it across from the byline into the path of Eze. From around seven yards out, Eze heads towards goal but his header is blocked by Esteve.
It will require a second goal for Arsenal to eradicate the nervousness that will inevitably build at the Emirates tonight. There have already been a few signs in the second half, with Burnley looking a little more threatening, that it could become quite edgy. Everyone inside this arena knows how important these next 35 minutes could be.
53 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Arsenal hit the frame of the goal for the second time tonight. Mosquera’s cross picks out Eze in the centre of the Burnley penalty area. Eze’s volley goes straight into the ground and then bounces up to hit the top of the bar.
52 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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There have just been a few nervy moments for Arsenal in this second half. Anthony plays a delightful cross in from the right but Flemming is not there to meet it.
51 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Eze gives the ball away inside his own half and Anthony drives forward. He then tries to pick out the top corner from outside the box but it goes over Raya’s bar.
48 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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How do Burnley respond in this second half? They did not offer too much going forward and were unable to keep the ball for too long. I cannot imagine they will dramatically change their tactics immediately after half-time but at some point they will have to take more risk.
Second half
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We are back under way at the Emirates. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard did speak to Sky Sports at half-time and here is what he had to say:
“The Premier League is always tough, no matter who you play. But we started strong, had a few good chances and it was just a matter of time before it went in.
“We stayed focused, it is just about keeping your head in the game. It is normal for us. We have to go for the second one, and then keep going.”
The difference right now
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HT stats
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Possession: Arsenal 72%-28% Burnley
Shots: 9-3
Shots on target: 2-0
Corners: 3-3
Touches in opposition box: 21-6
Half-time
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The first half is brought to a close and Arsenal take a deserved 1-0 advantage into the break thanks to that Havertz header from Saka’s corner.
45+1 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Havertz has spent so much of this first half drifting towards the right flank, where he is linking up nicely with Odegaard and Saka. The German has almost been as much of a right winger as Saka so far. On the other flank it’s the left-back, Calafiori, who is joining Trossard in attack. It has been a fluid performance by Arsenal, although Burnley have had their moments on the break.
45 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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There will be two added minutes at the end of this first half.
44 mins: Arsenal 1 Burnley 0
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Arsenal nearly double their lead. Havertz plays it inside to Saka on the edge of the box. Saka lets the ball come across his body and takes a great first touch to set up the second. He then curls one towards the far corner but it goes just wide of the post.
GOAL! Havertz heads Arsenal in front
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Yet another set-piece goal for Arsenal. Saka clips in an inswinging corner from the right into the six-yard box, where Havertz leaps highest and heads home. Weiss tried to come out of his goal and got nowhere near it. You cannot say that Arsenal goal was not coming.
It was a pretty brave call by Arteta to drop Gyokeres for Havertz, given Gyokeres’ form in recent games, but that’s perhaps one of the reasons why: Havertz is much better in the air.
37 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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The pressure is ramping up on Burnley. Calafiori cuts inside on the left side of the box and cuts it back to Odegaard, whose shot which looked to be on target takes a deflection off Ugochukwu and goes behind for a corner...
35 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Arsenal are pleading for a penalty but the initial appeals are waved away. This could be a huge moment if VAR does intervene. Havertz crosses from the left side of the box and looks to have picked out Saka at the far post. He looks destined to score but goes down. Was it a foul from Pires or did Saka kick Pires? Pires does put his foot there but Saka does kick the foot. VAR played a big role in Arsenal’s last game but clears this one. It does appear that Saka kicked Pires’ foot and the ground rather than a foul from Pires.
32 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Arsenal have struggled to create many genuine goal-scoring chances but the pressure is building on Burnley. It would not surprise anyone if Arsenal were to score soon but the home fans will be desperate for their side to score quickly or else the tension will ramp up inside the Emirates.
30 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Nearly a very nervy moment for the Burnley keeper Weiss as Saka stands up a cross from the byline on the right and Weiss is not sure whether to tip it over the bar or leave. He opts for the latter and it nearly goes in at the far post.
Bukayo Saka has seen plenty of the ball in promising positions in the early stages here, but is yet to really hurt Burnley’s defence. I would suggest that Burnley can’t keep allowing him to receive possession inside the penalty area. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before he makes something happen.
28 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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The first player into the book tonight is Mejbri. In the last few minutes, both him and Gabriel have come to blows and referee Paul Tierney decides to book Mejbri for delaying Gabriel from taking a free-kick. It does feel a little inconsistent from the referee having not booked Trossard earlier for off-the-ball antics.
26 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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That was a good chance on the counter for Burnley. Flemming plays it out to his right to pick out Tchaouna in space. Tchaouna spots the run of Mejbri towards the back post and plays a good cross over to him. Mejbri takes a touch but snatches at the shot, not troubling Raya’s goal. Had Mejbri shown a bit more composure there, Arsenal could have been in trouble.
24 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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It is a lot of attack v defence thus far, which was probably quite predictable. Burnley are holding out for now but how long can they do that for? The longer though they can keep it at 0-0, the more and more nervous the home crowd will become.
22 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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As expected, Arsenal are starting to put Burnley under real pressure now. The home crowd is fully engaged, with Eze and Trossard looking especially sharp.
We wondered how Arsenal’s midfield would set up and it seems like Odegaard is dropping into the deeper spaces alongside Rice, with Eze playing higher up. Odegaard in the usual Zubimendi role, then, although with more creative freedom on the ball.
18 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Walker, owing to his time both at Tottenham and Manchester City, is booed by the home fans every time he touches the ball. It is safe to say both of his former clubs would love him to put in a big performance tonight. I suspect he may well have received a few messages from his former Manchester City teammates today.
15 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Arsenal hit the post. It is Trossard who hits the frame of the goal, shooting from outside the box from a central position having cut inside from the left but it comes flying back off the post. It could have hit the Burnley keeper Weiss and gone into the net.
14 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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The first genuine chance of the game for Arsenal. They play a short corner out on the right before Trossard picks out Havertz. The German takes a touch and then gets his shot away from the right side of the box but drags his effort wide. Replays did actually show there was a deflection.
12 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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How Trossard is not booked is beyond me. He unnecessarily runs into Flemming before shoving him to the ground. There was absolutely no need for that and I cannot quite believe that referee Paul Tierney has not booked him for that act of pure petulance. All Trossard received was a word from the referee.
10 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Eze is brought down by Tchaouna on the left touchline, giving Arsenal a good chance to whip it into the Burnley penalty area. Looking at the replays, there was barely any contact and probably not a foul.
Rice clips it into a dangerous area but Weiss punches it away under pressure.
5 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Arsenal have named an attacking lineup, with both Odegaard and Eze in midfield with Rice. Considering how much possession they are going to have tonight, Mikel Arteta will want the likes of Odegaard to get on the ball a lot. The one thing Arsenal will then need to be careful about is being countered, with two of the three midfielders attack-minded.
2 mins: Arsenal 0 Burnley 0
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Burnley have an early corner inside the first two minutes. If Burnley were to score an early goal that would send shockwaves around the stadium. Anthony plays it short to Mejbri, whose flicks comes off Havertz for another corner. Arsenal fail to clear the corner and Flemming lays it to Luis on the edge of the box. The Brazilian midfielder hits it first time but drags his effort wide.
Kick-off
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We are under way at the Emirates. Will Arsenal take another big step towards the Premier League title or can Burnley cause a huge shock and potentially derail Arsenal’s hopes?
Nearly ready for action
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Both sides emerge from the tunnel and we are just moments away from kick-off at the Emirates. Burnley are led out by captain Kyle Walker; could he do his former club Manchester City a huge favour tonight by causing Arsenal to drop points? Here is a reminder of how the two sides line up tonight:
Arsenal: Raya, Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Odegaard, Eze, Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
Substitutes: Kepa, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Madueke, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.
Burnley: Weiss, Walker, Esteve, Tuanzebe, Ugochukwu, Anthony, Florentino, Tchaouna, Flemming, Pires, Hannibal.
Substitutes: Dubravka, Hartman, Worrall, Bruun Larsen, Edwards, Humphreys, Ward-Prowse, Amdouni, Laurent.
Odegaard and Eze both in starting XI
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This is only the second time Odegaard and Eze have started together in the midfield three. The previous occasion was against West Ham in October, but Odegaard was injured after 30 minutes.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) May 18, 2026
Patrick Vieira on David Raya
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026"If Arsenal are challenging for the title, Raya has a big part in that"
Patrick Vieira on David Raya playing a pivotal part in Arsenal's success this season! 👏 pic.twitter.com/eOAxmx8o7H
Omens on Arsenal’s side?
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Opta supercomputer 10,000 simulations, Arsenal win 87.8%.
- In five seasons of the Opta supercomputer (1,888 matches) only once has a team had a greater chance of winning a game than that - Manchester City vs Leeds (22/23). Sam Allardyce in charge of Leeds. 2-1 City W.
- 5 most likely supercomputer win predictions - all have won.
- Highest chance team was given of winning by the supercomputer in a game that they didn’t end up winning was Manchester City vs Southampton (82.1% City win) 0-0 draw at Etihad.
Arsenal’s last five results
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West Ham 0 Arsenal 1 (Premier League)
Arsenal 1 Atlético Madrid 0 (Champions League)
Arsenal 3 Fulham 0 (Premier League)
Atlético Madrid 1 Arsenal 1 (Champions League)
Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 (Premier League)
Arsenal’s last defeat came away at Manchester City around a month ago. That loss looked pivotal at the time but Arsenal know they are two wins away from the title and have their fate in their own hands.
Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe talking to Sky Sports
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026"The pressure is on them, we won't make it easy."
Axel Tuanzebe says Arsenal will struggle with the pressure tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/0hAudDWeld
Attacking lineup
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Looks to me like Mikel Arteta has picked his boldest possible midfield, with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze both lining up as attack-minded “number eights” alongside the deeper-lying Declan Rice. This is only the second time Eze and Odegaard have started together in the midfield three, with the previous occasion coming against West Ham United in October. On that occasion, Odegaard was substituted after 30 minutes because of injury.
Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026"I need to convince them how good they are!"
Mikel Arteta speaks on the reasoning behind his starting XI and the tough test ahead against Burnley! pic.twitter.com/8G6IavHjt2
Showing their support
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Pre-match thoughts of Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson
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“We understand the challenge that we face but we have to meet that in a way that suits our team. The emotions and the pressure belong to them not us, so for us it is about making sure we compete and we are disciplined, but at the same time make sure we express ourselves as well. At this stage of the season we know what is up for grabs for them and others around, but for us it is about respecting the competition that we are in. People have doubted us on that.
“We have come here not to just survive but a performance people can be proud of. This game is going to take more than 11 players. The lads are ready to come on, take it on and go from there.”
Patrick Vieira on Sky Sports
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— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2026"It looks like it's the moment for Arsenal to finally win the Premier League" 🏆
Patrick Vieira shares his thoughts ahead of Arsenal's final two games of the season 💭 pic.twitter.com/S2WeFBohco
Teams in full
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Arsenal: Raya, Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Odegaard, Eze, Saka, Havertz, Trossard.
Substitutes: Kepa, Hincapie, Jesus, Martinelli, Gyokeres, Madueke, Zubimendi, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.
Burnley: Weiss, Walker, Esteve, Tuanzebe, Ugochukwu, Anthony, Florentino, Tchaouna, Flemming, Pires, Hannibal.
Substitutes: Dubravka, Hartman, Worrall, Bruun Larsen, Edwards, Humphreys, Ward-Prowse, Amdouni, Laurent.
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports
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“Arsenal have to [pursue their goal difference]. When you play a game you say win first, but they are playing the weakest team in the league for me. Wolves are bottom, but the underlying numbers all say Burnley are the weakest.
“If they lost the league on goal difference having had Burnley at home which they did not use that to great effect, that would live with them forever. We get told so often on this show about the attention to detail, it has to be in the gameplan. It has to be in the team talk, or it will come up at half-time.”
Arsenal team
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— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 18, 2026🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🧱 Mosquera into our defence
🔙 Odegaard returns to the XI
⚡️ Havertz on the chargeA big opportunity awaits - COME ON YOU GUNNERS!! ✊
🤝 Presented by @deel
Team news about to drop
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We are about to find out the two starting XIs at the Emirates...
Title race into its final week
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Arsenal can take another huge step towards the Premier League title as they host already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates. With just two games remaining, Arsenal lead by two points, with Manchester City in action at Bournemouth tomorrow night.
“The team is really present,” Mikel Arteta said. “It is living the moment. It is emotionally in a really good state. The energy level is the right one. We have most players available now. Ok, we lost Ben White the other day but the other ones are coming back as well. Everyone is so enthusiastic and so positive about the way we can finish the season.”
Arsenal have eight days to recover since a dramatic and controversial late win at West Ham. Leandro Trossard gave Arsenal a late lead before a controversial VAR decision deep into added time went their way. Had that decision gone West Ham’s way, Manchester City would actually sit at the summit. With just two points separating the top two, there is a possibility the title could come down to goal difference, which is in Manchester City’s favour by one.
“First we have to earn the right to win the game [tonight],” Arteta added. “Obviously if you can make a difference with more goals, that is even better. But we all play really tough matches. We had a really tough match against West Ham and managed to win it, and it was a great feeling. But we know ideally that scoring goals is going to be important.”
Following their confirmed relegation to the Championship next season, Burnley have already sacked Scott Parker, with Mike Jackson taking interim charge until the end of the season. Despite having already been relegated, they draw 2-2 with Aston Villa last time out.
“The outcome is already decided in everyone else’s eyes but we have got to go there with some belief and have a go,” Jackson said. “Go and thrive in that environment. I think you have got to look at it as an opportunity, one, to be involved in a game like that, two, to be really excited about that and it is a platform to then go on and perform. We cannot influence everything that is going on around it but what we can do is make sure, as we did against Aston Villa last week, we are still taking the competition really seriously.”
When these sides met at the start of November, Arsenal won 2-0 at Turf Moor thanks to goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice. The omens would appear to be on the hosts’ side tonight; Arsenal have lost just one of their 19 Premier League games against Burnley.
Team news to follow shortly.