Will Arsenal’s 22-year wait end tonight?

The dream of ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League crown is now firmly within reach for Arsenal after a tense 1-0 victory over Burnley kept Mikel Arteta’s side in control of the title race heading into the final week of the season.

The Gunners sit five points clear of defending champions Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s men still have a game in hand. That leaves the race balanced on a knife edge, with every remaining fixture carrying enormous weight.

Arsenal supporters could even be celebrating as early as Tuesday night.

If City fail to beat Bournemouth tonight (May 19), Arsenal would be crowned champions before they kick another ball. A draw or defeat for City would finally deliver the title back to north London after more than two decades of waiting.

But if Guardiola’s side win on the south coast, the battle will go down to the final day on Sunday 24 May. Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace knowing victory would guarantee the title, while City host Aston Villa hoping for one final twist.

The tension surrounding the run-in has only intensified because Arsenal’s season is still alive on two fronts. The Gunners have also booked their place in the UEFA Champions League Final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on 30 May.

There remains one remarkable scenario in which Arsenal and City could finish level on points. If Arsenal draw at Palace and City win both of their remaining matches, the two clubs would end the campaign tied.

Under Premier League rules, positions would then be decided first by goal difference, then goals scored, followed by head-to-head record and away goals in those meetings if required.

At present, both sides share an identical goal difference of +43. However, City have scored more goals overall — 75 compared to Arsenal’s 69 — giving Guardiola’s side the advantage if goal difference remains level.

Should points, goal difference and goals scored somehow all finish equal, City would still come out on top due to their superior head-to-head record against Arsenal this season.

If it reaches that stage, it would rank among the closest title races the Premier League has ever seen — reviving memories of the unforgettable 2011/12 finale when Sergio Aguero’s dramatic stoppage-time goal sealed the championship for Manchester City over Manchester United on goal difference.

For now, though, Arsenal remain in pole position — and the wait for a historic triumph may soon be over.