Arsenal end Anfield drought to move three points clear

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League by beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, ending a 14-year wait for a league victory at the stadium. Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute, and the defending champions protected that lead through a demanding match to move three points clear of Manchester City. Havertz finished from a low cross by Declan Rice after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker had made a poor clearance, according to Channels Television.

The goal came only days after Havertz had been among the Arsenal players criticised for missed chances in the club’s League Cup defeat by fourth-tier Fleetwood. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his team had responded in the way he wanted after that shock exit. He described the victory as especially significant because Arsenal had struggled for years at Anfield and had to withstand difficult periods before securing the result.

Liverpool responded forcefully after conceding. Channels Television reported that Andoni Iraola’s team produced one of its strongest spells since the Spanish manager arrived, but it could not convert its opportunities. Alexis Mac Allister headed wide, while Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free-kick from a narrow angle.

Arsenal also had to withstand pressure after the interval. Alisson made a significant save to keep out a shot from Christos Tzolis, which was heading towards the bottom corner. Arsenal’s defence ultimately recorded another clean sheet, and the club has now won eight of its past nine league matches, according to Channels Television.

The defeat left Liverpool fifth and nine points behind Arsenal. Iraola, who arrived from Bournemouth and had suffered only his second defeat in 14 matches, acknowledged that his side had shown promising moments but said the season was still at an early stage. Liverpool’s attack featured Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola together, with Channels Television noting signs that the three high-value forwards were beginning to develop an understanding.

Their combination, however, did not produce a goal against an Arsenal defence that Arteta praised for denying Liverpool space and shots. The match also featured controversy over two Liverpool penalty appeals. Isak was pulled by Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber as he attempted to reach a Barcola cross, while a separate appeal involving Cody Gakpo and Christos Tzolis was rejected after a video assistant referee review.

Arteta said he had not seen the Isak incident. Iraola argued that the first appeal should have been awarded, while accepting the reasoning behind the decision on the second. The result nevertheless left Arsenal with a major early-season advantage as they pursue another title.