London: Arsenal moved within reach of its first Premier League championship in 22 years Monday, navigating a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley in its penultimate match of the season courtesy of a first-half strike from Kai Havertz.

The result dictates that second-placed Manchester City must halt Bournemouth's 16-game undefeated streak Tuesday night to extend the championship race to the final weekend of the campaign. Regardless of that outcome, Arsenal will secure the title if it defeats Crystal Palace in an away fixture on Sunday. A triumph would mark Arsenal's first league crown since 2004, when the "Invincibles" squad completed an undefeated season under manager Arsene Wenger.

Current manager Mikel Arteta stands two victories away from orchestrating the most successful season in the club's history, as Arsenal is also scheduled to contest the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.

“It's been an amazing season so far. We've got one big one left here (in the league) and then the Champions League final," Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard said during an on-field interview addressing the Emirates Stadium crowd. “Just a little bit to go now, and we're going to give it all. We have to keep going.”

Havertz Delivers the Decisive Blow

Characteristically for the north London club this season, the decisive breakthrough against an already relegated Burnley side originated from a set piece. Havertz outleaped the defence to head home a corner kick delivered by Bukayo Saka in the 37th minute.

The goal marked only the second league tally of an injury-disrupted campaign for Havertz, whom Arteta elected to start in the forward line over Viktor Gyökeres.

“I had a feeling that he had to start," Arteta said following the match. "The way they set up, I think he could be really difficult to handle. And he's shown that.”

The German international narrowly avoided a dismissal in the 67th minute when he was assessed only a yellow card for a sliding, studs-up challenge from behind on Burnley's Lesley Ugochukwu. The on-field decision was subsequently upheld by a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Holding on for Victory

Although Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya did not have to record a single save against an ineffective Burnley attack, the baseline advantage remained precarious as the hosts failed to register a second goal. Arsenal ultimately withstood nearly 10 minutes of stoppage time to secure the three points and advance toward ending its multi-decade championship drought.

Looking forward to the decisive final days of the domestic schedule, Arteta noted the narrow path remaining for his squad.

“There is one to go unless something beautiful happens tomorrow night,” Arteta said, adding that he would be “the biggest ever” fan of Bournemouth during their upcoming match against Manchester City.

With inputs from AP