Arsenal can clinch Premier League today

Arsenal can win the Premier League on Tuesday, May 19, without playing, after their 1-0 victory over Burnley moved Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. The Premier League said Arsenal have 82 points from 37 matches, while City have 77 from 36. That leaves Pep Guardiola’s team needing a win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night to keep the title race alive. If City draw or lose, Arsenal will be champions with one round still to play. ### What exactly has to happen on Tuesday night? The Premier League said the earliest Arsenal can secure the title is Tuesday, May 19, when Manchester City visit Bournemouth. A draw or defeat for City would leave them four or five points behind Arsenal with only one match remaining, ending the race. A City win would cut Arsenal’s lead to two points and push the title decision to the final day on Sunday, May 24, when Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace and City host Aston Villa. ### Why are Arsenal in this position now? Kai Havertz scored the only goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday, May 18, a result that took Arteta’s team to 82 points. The Premier League said Arsenal’s record stands at 25 wins, seven draws and five defeats. Manchester City’s game in hand is what keeps the race open. City have played 36 matches to Arsenal’s 37, so Tuesday’s trip to Bournemouth is the match that determines whether the title can still be decided on the last day. ### How difficult is Manchester City’s task at Bournemouth? Bournemouth enter the match on a 16-game unbeaten run, according to the Premier League and Sky Sports. That run has made Tuesday’s fixture the last obstacle between Arsenal and an immediate title celebration. Sky Sports said City must beat Bournemouth to stay in the race. The broadcaster scheduled the match for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Britain, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ### What are people around the game saying? Gary Neville told Sky Sports on Tuesday that he does not see Arsenal wasting the opportunity after their win over Burnley. Sky quoted Neville as saying Arsenal are “on the brink” of their first Premier League title in 22 years. The Premier League framed the stakes in similar terms, saying Arsenal could end a 22-year wait for the title as early as Tuesday night. Arsenal last won the league in 2004. ### What happens if City do win? Sunday, May 24, would become the decisive day if City beat Bournemouth. The Premier League said Arsenal would then know that a win at Crystal Palace guarantees the title. Manchester City would host Aston Villa on the same day. The Premier League said Arsenal would also be champions if they matched City’s result in those final fixtures. ### When is the next key moment? Tuesday, May 19, is the next checkpoint, with Bournemouth hosting Manchester City in the match that will either end the title race or extend it. If City win, Arsenal’s final league game is away to Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 24, while City finish at home against Aston Villa.