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Title within reach Arsenal seize control with another crucial victory after nervy Burnley win

A RSENAL are on the brink of ending a 22 year wait to win the Premier League after beating Burnley 1-0 yesterday to open up a five-point lead at the top. Kai Havertz headed in the only goal but was also lucky to avoid a second half red card that could have swung the title race back in Manchester City’s favour. The Gunners could be crowned champions as early today should City fail to win at Bournemouth. Even if City do end the Cherries’ 16-game unbeaten run and beat Aston Villa, Arsenal will secure the title with victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday. “One more to go,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “We have done our job, what is in our hands. We have to wait and see what is going to happen tomor row and then it’s time to prepare for the Palace game.” However, the narrow margin of victory against a Burnley side that have long since been relegated does offer City hope. An Arsenal draw at Selhurst Park would allow City to snatch the title on goal difference if Pep Guardiola’s team win their final two matches. Roared on by an expectant capacity crowd in their final home game of the season, Arsenal were tipped to put the Clarets to the sword with ease. Forest received PGMOL apology over United goal error NOTTINGHAM FOREST have received an apology from the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) after the organisation admitted a significant refereeing error contributed to their 3-2 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on Sunday. The controversy centred on Matheus Cunha’s second half goal, which put United 2-1 ahead. Replays clearly showed United forward Bryan Mbuemo controlling the ball with his arm in the build-up. Despite VAR advising referee Michael Salisbury to review the incident at the pitchside monitor, the Lancashire official controversially decided the handball was accidental, allowing the goal to stand. It is understood that PGMO chief Howard Webb has since contacted Forest to concede that Salisbury should have overturned his initial decision, and he offered an apology for the mistake. The error proved costly for Forest, bringing an end to their impressive eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. The decision drew immediate and fierce criticism, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressing his disbelief during Sky Sports commentary. “Oh my gosh, wow, I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way,” Neville exclaimed. “That is ridiculous, the amount of time that has taken. The VAR has said to the referee, ‘This should be disallowed, he has handballed it, he’s controlled it with his arm and he has brought it into play’. “The referee has gone over to the screen and overruled VAR. I cant believe what I have just seen, honestly. That is ridiculous. The VAR has been clear – the player has handballed it. He looked at it for three minutes and the referee has looked at it for another minute. “I can’t believe what I have seen. That was handball. I don’t know what to say. We have to admire referees who stand by their decisions. That wasn’t the time to do it.” Following the match, Forest manager Vitor Pereira voiced widespread frustration regarding the ambiguity of the handball rule. “This is the doubt we have in the Premier League at the moment about these decisions,” he stated. “We don’t know what is handball or not. (Set-pieces), we don’t know what is a freekick or not. “I think it’s important to have a meeting and try to understand the rules, the decisions. In this moment, all managers have doubts about these decisions.” – The Independent Ű BY JONATHAN VEAL

Saints under fire in Spygate scandal SPYGATE has dominated football headlines, with a decision on Southampton’s alleged spying on Middlesbrough training sessions expected to arrive this week. Saints defeated their Championship rivals 2-1 in the playoffs, and will play Hull City in the Wembley showpiece on Saturday (11.30pm Malaysian time). That’s as long as they aren’t kicked out of the playoffs, with the EFL having charged Southampton following the accusations from Middlesbrough. The Independent Disciplinary Commission will dis cuss the outcome, with a final decision expected to arrive today. Here the options available to the decision makers ahead of the verdict: Removed from playoff final Boro have urged the EFL to sanction a move that would see the Saints removed from the play offs. They believe it would set a bad precedent if Southampton are able to contest for promotion, hav ing spied on their semifinal oppo nents. It would most likely repre sent the harshest punishment, but could also present some signifi cant logistical problems. Move playoff final date Moving the playoff final would inconvenience plenty of people, including fans of both clubs, but it would give all parties a little more breathing space. Points deduction If Southampton aren’t kicked out of the playoffs, they could be handed a points deduction instead. When that would be administered is yet to be deter mined. Ban manager or staff Southampton manager Tonda Eckert could be subject to a ban over his alleged involvement in the saga. It was reported by The Times that the FA and the EFL are keen to determine what involve ment Eckert and his coaching staff had in the event. If they’re deemed complicit, the governing bodies could hand out a substantial ban. Monetary fine Perhaps the punishment doesn’t have a sporting impact at all, and is just restricted to a mone tary fine. It would likely be the most welcome outcome from a Southampton point of view, espe cially if they return to the Premier League and secure the millions on offer via the lucrative TV deal. However, it is worth noting that the panel can recommend any punishment they deem fit. Express Newspapers

am really proud. It has been an amazing season so far. We have one big one left and then the Champions League final and we want to take the trophies home. “I can promise you all that we will give every thing we have, and keep going until the very end and with your support we are going to be ready.” Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson was disap pointed Kai Havertz was not dismissed for a late foul on Lesley Ugochukwu. “It is a red card,” said Jackson. “It is dangerous, he is leaving the floor, and it is cynical foul to break up play. We are disappointed it wasn’t given because it changes the game for the last 20 minutes in our favour. “When you look back at it and watch it frame-by frame, and second-by-second. you must be able to see that, from a number of angles.” – AFP/The Independent

Burnley have taken just two points from their last 10 matches but made Arteta’s men work for the three points on another nervy night at the Emirates. Since losing to City last month, Arsenal have not conceded in their last four league games. “The margin should have been bigger but we haven’t achieved that,” added Arteta. “We have shown what we have shown all season that when we need to defend and get through the game, we can do it in an efficient way.” Martin Odegaard said Arsenal are ready “to take the trophies home” after the Gunners took a giant stride towards winning the Premier League. Arsenal could complete a historic double this month with a Champions League final against Paris St Germain in Budapest on May 30. Prior to leading his side on a lap of honour to mark the club’s 19th and final home game of the season at the Emirates, captain Odegaard said: “I

Maresca to replace Pep at City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola poses with City’s five major trophies won in a historic 2023 campaign. – @ManCity/Instagram

Ű BY LUKE BAKER

two triumphs during his legendary stint in charge of Barcelona. His latest trophy came last weekend, as Antoine Semenyo’s flicked finish ensured City beat Chelsea 1 0 in the FA Cup final, a 19th piece of silverware in Guardiola’s time at the Etihad and a third FA Cup. Off the pitch, Guardiola’s reign has been clouded in recent years after City were charged in 2023 with more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, concerning a nine-year period from 2009 to 2018. A hearing led by an independent commission concluded in December 2024, with the outcome expected at some point this year. If he does indeed leave, Guardiola would likely be set for a break from football, resembling his time off between periods at Nou Camp and Bayern Munich from 2012/13. His time in England has largely been defined by his side’s rivalry with Liverpool and, in particular, Jurgen Klopp, including, famously, a one-point vic tory in 2019, despite the Reds earning 97 points. Guardiola also broke the 100-point barrier during the 2018 season, setting a new Premier League record, and became the first manager in English football history to win four top-flight titles in a row. Ahead of the FA Cup final, when asked whether his tenure at City has been the definition of great ness, the Spaniard said: “Yeah, of course, 19 titles in 10 years is not bad. They know they don’t need to wait until I’m leaving, they know I have been fun. So 19 titles – fight for 20 in 10 years – it’s not bad, hon estly.” – The Independent

PEP GUARDIOLA will leave Manchester City at the end of the season in a huge move that will spark a seismic shift in the Premier League. The Spaniard’s exit is set to come after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa and will bring an end to one of the most trophy-laden reigns in English football history, following 10 years of dominance in charge at the Etihad Stadium. According to Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post, Enzo Maresca is set to replace Guardiola as Man City manager before next season. Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has been identified as the leading contender to replace the legendary Spaniard for the 2026/27 season. With City preparing for Guardiola’s summer exit for more than six months, talks with Maresca are at an advanced stage. The 46-year-old wants the job and is expected to be confirmed as Guardiola’s successor in due course. For now, City maintain Guardiola has a contract for next season and are hopeful he will remain as manager. The 55-year-old has captured 17 major trophies, and 20 in all, since taking over in 2016, including six Premier League titles, which could still become seven if they can come out on top of an intense title race with Arsenal. Guardiola also masterminded City’s break through in Europe to claim a first Champions League in 2023, defeating Inter Milan in Istanbul and secur ing a third European crown as a manager following