Kai Havertz took Arsenal closer to winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, but nearly went from hero to villain as he was fortunate to not be sent off.

The 26-year-old German started instead of the in-form Viktor Gyokeres and repaid Mikel Arteta's faith in him when he headed in Bukayo Saka's corner to give the Gunners a 37th-minute lead over Burnley.

However, Havertz very nearly was dismissed midway through the second half, when he slid in and his studs caught Lesley Ugochukwu on his left calf in the middle of the pitch.

Havertz was only booked by referee Paul Tierney, with video assistant referee James Bell not advising the official to review the incident. Mikel Arteta decided to replace Havertz with Gyokeres minutes later as the Gunners held on for a nervy 1-0 win.

Former England defender Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, said: "Vicious from Havertz. He is miles away from the ball. I don't like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg."

After VAR did not get involved, Neville added: "I don't think that is right. He is a lucky boy."

A statement from the Premier League Match Centre said: "The referee's call of yellow card to Havertz was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed not to be serious foul play."

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green agreed with Neville that Havertz had been lucky to stay on the pitch. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green said: "Studs up, both feet off the ground, it's high. There will be bunches of people referring back to still images where there have been red cards."

Arsenal have not had a player sent off in the Premier League this season, although earlier this month the Premier League's key match incidents panel said defender Gabriel should have been dismissed against Manchester City on 19 April. Gabriel had pushed his forehead into striker Erling Haaland during City's 2-1 win, but was only shown a yellow card.

Former England defender Jamie Carragher, on Sky Sports, was another to call Havertz "lucky" and added: "When you think of two big decisions in terms of red cards going their way. They are lucky to get away with two big decisions."

However, Patrick Vieira, the last Arsenal captain to lift the Premier League trophy, felt Tierney had made the right decision. "It's a challenge from behind and you can see the studs, but it was the right decision from the referee," said Vieira on Sky Sports. "There was not enough power or force for the red card. The yellow card was a fair decision."

There were some comments from fans on the BBC Sport live commentary page, with many wondering why Havertz was not punished further.