Arsenal ended one of the Premier League’s longest-running away frustrations on Sunday, beating Liverpool 1–0 at Anfield through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal and returning to the top of the table.
The decisive moment arrived in the 16th minute. Liverpool’s attempt to play out from the back broke down under pressure, allowing Arsenal to attack before Declan Rice drove a low delivery across the penalty area. Havertz arrived at the far post and converted from close range.
That single finish settled a tense contest and gave Arsenal their first league victory at Anfield since September 2012. It also provided an immediate response to their midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town, when the champions were eliminated on penalties.
Confirmed: Arsenal take the points at Anfield
The final score was Liverpool 0–1 Arsenal. Havertz scored the only goal, Rice supplied the delivery, and Mikel Arteta’s side protected the lead through the remaining 74 minutes plus stoppage time.
Liverpool produced their strongest spell before halftime. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar, while the home side repeatedly forced Arsenal to defend inside and around their penalty area. Arsenal absorbed the pressure, cleared deliveries and restricted the number of clean chances reaching David Raya.
After the interval, Liverpool continued to hold territory but found fewer openings. Arsenal’s defensive shape stayed compact, the midfield closed central passing routes, and the visitors remained capable of threatening when they escaped pressure. Liverpool finished the match without the equaliser their possession demanded.
The result ended Liverpool’s five-match winning run in all competitions. For Arsenal, the victory carried more than three points: it removed a 14-year barrier at one of the division’s hardest away grounds and restored them to first place after Manchester City’s defeat by Brighton on Saturday.
FootyTactix analysis: control mattered more than volume
This was not an Arsenal performance built on constant attacking pressure. It was a result built on winning one decisive moment and then controlling where Liverpool could use the ball.
The opening goal exposed the risk in Liverpool’s short buildup. Arsenal recognised the loose sequence quickly, moved the ball wide and attacked the space behind the home defence before it could reset. Rice’s delivery was precise, but Havertz’s movement was just as important. He stayed available beyond the central defenders and arrived where the cross was heading.
Once ahead, Arsenal accepted that Liverpool would have more possession. The visitors defended narrow enough to protect the centre, while their wide players and full-backs worked to stop crosses from becoming clear shots. Liverpool reached promising areas, especially in the first half, but Arsenal repeatedly made the final action difficult.
That distinction is central to the result. Liverpool had pressure; Arsenal had the clearer plan after going in front. The longer the match stayed at 1–0, the more the contest suited a team comfortable defending a lead and managing the rhythm.
Key factors
Havertz delivered at the moment Arsenal needed him. The forward entered the match under scrutiny after a quiet scoring run, but his far-post movement turned Rice’s delivery into the winning goal.
Rice influenced both phases. He created the goal, protected the defence and gave Arsenal a route out when Liverpool pressed. His ability to cover ground helped the visitors survive periods when the home side pushed numbers forward.
Arsenal’s concentration held. A one-goal advantage at Anfield leaves no margin for a loose clearance, a missed runner or a careless foul near the box. Arteta’s team maintained its structure through the second half and stoppage time.
What the result changes
Arsenal leave Anfield with first place, renewed momentum and a major psychological result. Their previous league victory at the ground came when Arteta was still an Arsenal player. Ending that wait strengthens the belief that this side can win difficult matches in different ways.
Liverpool’s performance was competitive, but the outcome highlights a familiar problem: territorial control must become high-quality chances. The hosts created enough pressure to keep Arsenal under strain, yet they could not turn it into a goal.
There is still a long way to go in the season, but this was a significant early marker. Arsenal have beaten a direct rival away from home, responded to a damaging cup result and reclaimed top spot. At Anfield, where so many previous challenges had slipped away, one sharp attack and a disciplined defensive display were finally enough.
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