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 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, in the middle of the pitch, he slid in and his studs caught Lesley Ugochukwu on his left calf. Referee Paul Tierney only booked Havertz, with the video assistant referee, James Bell, not advising Tierney 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, moving one victory away from becoming champions.

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."

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the referee's call of a yellow card to Havertz was correct and deemed the challenge not to be serious foul play.

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green also agreed with Neville, stating that Havertz was lucky to stay on the pitch.

Gary Neville and Rob Green were not the only ones to voice their concerns. Former England defender Jamie Carragher, on Sky Sports, called Havertz "lucky" and noted, "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."

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," Vieira said on Sky Sports.

Burnley interim boss Mike Jackson, speaking to the BBC, felt his side should have been playing against 10 men. "In today's game, it is a red card and it is dangerous," Jackson said. "He could have injured him as well. That means they go down to 10 with 20 minutes to go — we are still in the game."

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