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Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Kai Havertz’s early goal secured a 1 to 0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on November 1.
The reigning champions now have 24 points from nine matches, ahead of Manchester City on 21. The result also ended Arsenal’s wait for a Premier League victory at Liverpool, where they had last won in September 2012.
For Mikel Arteta’s players, it was an important response to their League Cup elimination at Fleetwood Town. They returned to league action with a disciplined away performance that strengthened their position in the title race.
Arsenal’s defense makes one goal enough
This was Arsenal’s sixth clean sheet in nine league games. Liverpool created periods of pressure, particularly before halftime, but the visitors repeatedly protected the spaces from which the hosts wanted to finish.
Opta’s match data credited Liverpool with 17 attempts and none on target. That statistic reflects their difficulty turning promising positions into efforts that tested David Raya, although there were moments when an equalizer looked possible.
Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free kick, while Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a Milos Kerkez cross. Those opportunities gave Liverpool a route back into the game, but neither produced the finish they needed.
After the interval, Arsenal became harder to open up. Their compact shape reduced the room available around the penalty area, requiring Liverpool to find a way through defenders who stayed close together and reacted quickly when the ball entered dangerous positions.
Arsenal also retained an attacking threat. Christos Tzolis forced Alisson Becker into a strong save in the second half, giving Liverpool another reminder that committing players forward carried risks.
Rice’s run creates Havertz’s decisive finish
The winning goal came in the 16th minute, after Arsenal recovered possession while Liverpool attempted to build from a goal kick.
Noni Madueke combined with Declan Rice on the right. Rice continued around the outside and delivered a low cross across the goal, finding Havertz available at the far post for a close finish.
The move showed the value of Rice’s support beyond the player in possession. His overlapping run gave Madueke another option and allowed Arsenal to attack the space behind Liverpool’s defense before the home side could recover.
For Kai Havertz, it ended a run of nine matches without a goal. The finish was straightforward once the cross arrived, but his positioning ensured Arsenal converted the opportunity that ultimately settled the match.
Liverpool leave frustrated by chances and a penalty appeal
Andoni Iraola’s side responded to falling behind and finished the first half strongly. The frustration was that their pressure produced neither an equalizer nor the penalty they believed should have been awarded.
One disputed incident involved Jurrien Timber holding Alexander Isak’s shirt as the Liverpool striker attempted to reach a cross. No penalty was given.
Iraola argued afterward that the shirt pull should have resulted in a spot kick. His objection formed part of Liverpool’s assessment of the defeat, alongside the missed opportunities that left them chasing the game throughout the second half.
The result leaves Liverpool fifth on 15 points, nine behind Arsenal. With only nine matches played, that gap remains recoverable, but it increases the importance of turning competitive performances against leading opponents into points.
A long wait ends before attention returns to Europe
Arsenal had gone 13 Premier League visits to Anfield without a win before Sunday. Ending that sequence gives the result significance beyond the immediate standings, particularly for a squad defending its league title.
Arteta praised the players’ response after their cup disappointment. His team had to recover emotionally, prepare for a demanding away fixture and then maintain its concentration while defending a narrow lead.
Manchester City’s defeat by Brighton created the opportunity to move clear. Arsenal took it, recording an eighth victory from nine league matches and establishing a lead equivalent to one win.
The next assignment is away to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4. Arsenal travel with their league position strengthened, while the short turnaround brings fresh decisions about selection and recovery after a demanding afternoon at Anfield.
