Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz strike sends Gunners top of Premier League
Arsenal end 14-year wait for Anfield victory as Havertz strike sinks Liverpool
Kai Havertz’s first-half goal gave Arsenal a precious 1-0 win at Anfield — their first Premier League victory on this ground since 2012 — and sent Mikel Arteta’s side back to the top of the table.
The champions are now three points clear of Manchester City and nine points ahead of Liverpool, who remain fifth.
How the game unfolded
Arsenal struck early and then produced a disciplined, resilient defensive display to protect their lead.
The decisive moment arrived in the 16th minute. Alisson Becker’s under-hit pass out from the back invited pressure. Arsenal capitalised quickly, working the ball to Declan Rice on the right. The midfielder surged past Noni Madueke and drilled a low ball across the six-yard box. Havertz arrived at the far post to finish calmly.
Liverpool responded with sustained pressure. Florian Wirtz rattled the crossbar with a dipping free-kick, Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a promising position, and Alexander Isak was denied by David Raya after Virgil van Dijk’s knockdown. Yet the home side struggled to force a clear shot on target for long periods.
Arsenal absorbed the waves of attacks, cleared their lines with authority and restricted Liverpool’s threat. Raya was a virtual spectator for much of the second half despite Anfield’s growing intensity.
Key talking points
Penalty controversy
Liverpool felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Isak’s shirt inside the area. VAR reviewed the incident but the decision stood. Other appeals involving Cody Gakpo and Christos Tzolis were also waved away.
Arsenal’s defensive resolve
Gary Neville described the visitors’ performance as a “defensive masterclass”. Arsenal stayed compact, won key duels and made life extremely difficult for Liverpool’s attackers after taking the lead.
Late drama avoided
Arteta introduced Viktor Gyökeres, Piero Hincapié and finally Martin Ødegaard to see the game out. Six minutes of added time produced little genuine threat, and Arsenal held firm to claim a landmark result.
What it means
This was Arsenal’s first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years. Coming just days after a Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town, the result underlines their title credentials.
Liverpool, under Andoni Iraola, remain a dangerous side but the gap to the summit has widened significantly. One moment of carelessness at the back proved costly on an afternoon when control did not translate into clear-cut chances.
Arsenal climb to the summit. Liverpool are left reflecting on a frustrating afternoon at Anfield.
