Arsenal end 14-year wait for Anfield win as Havertz seals 1-0 victory over Liverpool
Arsenal secured their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, beating Liverpool 1-0 thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal. The victory, Arsenal's first at Liverpool since a 2-0 win in 2012, sends Mikel Arteta's side three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Anfield
- Result: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
- Goalscorer: Kai Havertz (first half)
- Assist: Declan Rice
- Standings: Arsenal top, three points clear after nine games
What was said
"Extremely proud. It's been 14 years, that's a long time. I'm sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today. Not only for the victory but for the way we've done it, the spirit we've shown. Especially considering what happened four days ago when you lose and go out of the cup against a team you are supposed to beat. That's the magical part of this game, it can take you to really bad places but four days later you have the opportunity to do something really historic and we've done it. Overall, to win against a team that is producing what they are doing, and also in the emotional state after Fleetwood, that's what a winning team should do."
"It means a lot to our football club. It's been 13 games [in the Premier League without a win here], it's a crazy stat and it's what the fans deserve. We are happy we gave them that."
"That is the Anfield way, that is what this Liverpool team can do, this is what this stadium does to you. It just creates waves and waves of attack. We've not won here in 14 years. It was relentless attacks but in the end that way we stuck together, that togetherness we have is undefeated. It's nothing like I've ever seen before."
"I'm extremely proud; this is something you want to accomplish. That's the challenge and mission you want to accomplish. I love it when it's something we have not done for many years. It was the same with Chelsea away and Manchester United away. To be able to beat all those, that's the purpose and motivation and why we do what we do."
Arteta's words before the match framed the occasion perfectly: "Today has to be the day." And his players delivered, producing a defensive masterclass to keep Liverpool at bay, particularly in a first half where Arsenal were pinned back after taking the lead. The second half was calmer, but Arsenal still defended resolutely and did not allow Liverpool a shot on target.
Rice's comments underline the resilience of this Arsenal side. The midfielder, who has five assists in the league already this season, was one of Arsenal's standout players and provided the assist for Havertz's goal. His description of Liverpool's relentless attacks and Arsenal's undefeated togetherness captures the spirit of a team that has now kept six clean sheets this season.
The numbers
- 14 years: Since Arsenal's last Premier League win at Anfield (2-0 in 2012).
- 16 unsuccessful trips: Arsenal's winless run in all competitions at Liverpool before Sunday.
- 13 games: Premier League matches without a win at Anfield before this victory, as noted by Havertz.
- 24 points: Arsenal's tally after nine games, their most at this stage since 2022-23.
- 3 points: Arsenal's lead at the top of the table after nine games.
- 6 clean sheets: Arsenal's total this season.
- 14 goals: Arsenal's league goals in nine games this season.
- 2 points better off: Compared to the same stage last season, when they won the title.
- 27 goals conceded: Arsenal's defensive record last season.
- 5 assists: Declan Rice's league assists this season.
Injury and availability
Arsenal's attacking options were limited: Bukayo Saka is out injured, 16-year-old Max Dowman was suspended after his red card at Fleetwood, Christos Tzolis is just back from a hamstring injury, and Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are both struggling for form. Despite these absences, the defensive unit remained elite.
Why Arsenal's defence is the difference in the title race
Mikel Arteta has built a team that can withstand pressure and grind out results, even when the attack is not flowing. The back four, which conceded only 27 goals last season, produced another masterclass at Anfield, keeping a clean sheet and limiting Liverpool to no shots on target. Gabriel had predicted a "big battle" and "big chaos" before the match, and his words proved accurate as Arsenal weathered wave after wave of Liverpool attacks.
The victory was built on the foundation of a solid defence and the brilliance of Kai Havertz, who took his goal calmly. Declan Rice provided the assist and was instrumental in driving the team forward. With Bukayo Saka injured and other forwards struggling for form, Arsenal's ability to win without their attacking fluency is a sign of a title-winning team. The Gunners have now kept six clean sheets this season and sit three points clear at the top.
Arteta's men have shown they can beat the big teams away from home, having also won at Chelsea and Manchester United. This win at Anfield, ending a 14-year wait, could be the catalyst for another title challenge. With Manchester City second and awaiting the outcome of their appeal against charges for breaching Premier League financial rules, Arsenal could build a healthy lead if they maintain this form.
Talking points
- Is Arsenal's defensive resilience enough to win the title if the attack continues to struggle? They have scored just 14 goals in nine games but conceded very few.
- Should Kai Havertz be the main striker despite his form struggles? His goal at Anfield was decisive, but Viktor Gyokeres is also struggling.
- How big a blow is Bukayo Saka's injury? Arsenal coped without him at Anfield, but his creativity will be missed in tighter games.
- Can Liverpool bounce back from this setback? They dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge, and the pressure is mounting on their manager.
What happens next
Arsenal return to Premier League action next weekend, looking to extend their lead at the top. With Manchester City second and awaiting the outcome of their appeal, the Gunners have a chance to pile on the pressure. Liverpool, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they aim to stay in the title race. The next fixture for Arsenal is a crucial test of their title credentials, and a win would further cement their status as serious contenders.
Frequently asked questions
When was Arsenal's last Premier League win at Anfield before this?
Arsenal's last Premier League win at Anfield was in 2012, a 2-0 victory. They had gone 14 years without a league win there until Sunday's 1-0 triumph.
Who scored Arsenal's goal against Liverpool?
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game in the first half, assisted by Declan Rice.
How many points clear are Arsenal at the top of the table?
Arsenal are three points clear at the top after nine games, with 24 points.
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