Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley: 8/10 Havertz lucky as Gunners put one hand on title | Football | Sport

May 18, 2026 3,238

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Kai Havertz scored the winner for Arsenal but was fortunate not to be sent off (Image: Getty)

Arsenal have one hand on the Premier League title, and could be crowned champions in 24 hours’ time, after grinding out a huge three points at home to relegated Burnley. Just as the Emirates Stadium began to get nervy, Kai Havertz headed in for the leaders from a Bukayo Saka corner 36 minutes in. It marked the 18th goal the Gunners have scored from a corner-kick in the league this season.

Goalscorer Havertz was later lucky to avoid a straight red card as a VAR check somehow allowed him to escape punishment for a nasty studs-up challenge. Arsenal couldn’t find a second goal to ease the tension and rode out a 1-0 win which means that Manchester City must beat Bournemouth on Tuesday night. If they don’t, Mikel Arteta‘s team will win Arsenal’s first league title since 2002.

Express Sport rates and slates the Gunners…

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley

David Raya – 6

A 19th clean sheet of the season and one of the easiest ones. Golden Glove winner Raya didn’t face a single shot on target. His toughest moment came when Zian Flemming clattered into him in stoppage time.

A very accomplished performance at right-back, both offensively and defensively.

Rarely looked uncomfortable as he helped lead Arsenal to another big clean sheet.

The same as Saliba. A commanding display up against the battling Flemming, who he and his team-mates had a few verbal exchanges with.

Another top display from a top left-back. He worked well down the left with Leandro Trossard. The best passing accuracy of any player to start the match.

As superb a performance as ever from the Premier League Player of the Season contender. More touches than any other player, played more passes into the final third than anyone else and, as usual, great in his duels and a ton of defensive contributions.

Arsenal v Burnley - Premier League

Arsenal now have one hand on the Premier League trophy (Image: Getty)

A really good performance from the captain who kept things ticking in attack and enjoyed some really nice combination play with Eze in midfield.

Linked up well with Odegaard but perhaps could have shown more. Gave the ball away for one nervy Burnley half-chance and wasted a good headed chance before the hour mark.

A dangerous display from Saka who produced the perfect corner delivery for Havertz’s opener. He’s back to his best.

Pressure was on him after he replaced the in-form Viktor Gyokeres and he responded with a towering leap to head Arsenal into the lead. But then very lucky to somehow escape a red card for a dreadful tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu. Subbed off quickly after.

Unlucky to hit the post with a powerful low drive from distance. Lucky not to get a booking for an early clash with Flemming. But a really good performance overall.