Arsenal moved within touching distance of their first Premier League title in 22 years after a tense 1-0 win over Burnley kept Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top.
Manchester City still hold a game in hand, but Arsenal can secure the title on Tuesday night if Pep Guardiola’s side fail to beat Bournemouth.
A draw or defeat on the south coast would hand the trophy to Arsenal before the final round of fixtures. If City win, the race will continue into the last day of the season on 24 May.
Arsenal would then travel to Crystal Palace knowing victory guarantees the title. City host Aston Villa and would need both a win and help elsewhere.
The battle remains unusually tight because the two teams still sit level on goal difference at +43. City, however, have scored 75 league goals compared to Arsenal’s 69, which gives Guardiola’s side the edge if goal difference finishes equal.
Premier League rules would next consider goals scored before head-to-head results between the clubs.
City also hold the advantage there after a stronger record against Arsenal across the two league meetings this season.
Arsenal have kept pressure on City through a consistent run during the closing weeks of the campaign. Arteta’s side have also reached the Champions League final and will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on 30 May.
The title race now rests heavily on City’s trip to Bournemouth. Arsenal supporters could celebrate a championship later tonight without their side kicking another ball.
If City survive that test, the final weekend will decide the destination of the trophy.
