Arsenal are on the verge of ending a 22-year Premier League title drought after a nail-biting 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, while Aston Villa's Champions League hopes took a hit with a 2-2 draw at Burnley.
Leandro Trossard emerged as the hero for the Gunners, scoring a crucial 83rd-minute goal that restored their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. The Belgian's strike came at a perfect time, breaking a 25-game goal drought that had stretched back to December.
The match wasn't without its drama, however. Deep into stoppage time, West Ham thought they had snatched a point when Callum Wilson fired home from a corner. But after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out due to a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by West Ham's Pablo, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans.
Mikel Arteta's side started with real intensity, fresh from their Champions League final qualification against Atletico Madrid midweek. Mads Hermansen made a brilliant save to deny Trossard from a corner, with the Belgian's follow-up header crashing off the crossbar. But as the second half wore on, the familiar nerves that have accompanied Arsenal's title chase began to show.
Raya made a huge save to deny Mateus Fernandes with just over 10 minutes remaining, before the deadlock was finally broken at the other end. Martin Odegaard's patient build-up play set up Trossard, who powered a low drive into the net, sending Arteta wheeling away in delight and Odegaard sinking to his knees in celebration.
The result also gave north London rivals Tottenham a helping hand in their relegation battle, as Arsenal can now move four points clear of West Ham with victory over Leeds on Monday.
With just two games remaining against already-relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace, the Gunners could seal the title as early as Wednesday if City fail to beat Palace at home. Alternatively, a win at home against Burnley on May 18 would end the club's long wait for Premier League glory, just days before they contest the Conference League final.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa left the door open in the race for a top-five finish after failing to secure three points at Burnley. Unai Emery's side, who had their own Champions League aspirations, will need to regroup quickly if they want to keep their European dreams alive.