Arsenal end 14-year Anfield wait as Havertz winner sends champions top
Arsenal secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012 with a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday. Kai Havertz finished Declan Rice's cross in the 16th minute, moving the Gunners above Manchester City to the top of the table and opening a nine-point gap over Liverpool.
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Anfield
- Score: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
- Goalscorer: Kai Havertz (16')
- Assist: Declan Rice
- Table impact: Arsenal top, nine points clear of Liverpool
Confirmed line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3)
Starting XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Riccardo Calafiori, Christos Tzolis; Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bruno Guimaraes; Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres
Substitutes: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapie, Mikel Merino
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Starting XI: Alisson; Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Munoz, Ngumoha
Substitutes: Not specified in source.
Selection notes
Mikel Arteta made five changes from the win over Everton. Havertz was preferred to Viktor Gyokeres up front, while Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis also came into the side. Arsenal were without the injured Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
What was said
"What a delivery that is. They've been assured and mature and they're 1-0 up."
Neville's comment captures the tone of Arsenal's early control. The goal was not a moment of individual brilliance but the product of a rehearsed pattern: Odegaard anticipating Alisson's loose pass, Madueke finding Rice on the overlap, and Havertz arriving unmarked at the far post.
It also underlines the maturity Arteta has instilled. Without Saka and Saliba, Arsenal still began with authority and took the lead inside 16 minutes.
The numbers
- 14 years: Arsenal's wait for a Premier League win at Anfield, since 2012
- 16 minutes: Havertz's opening goal
- 5 changes: Arteta's alterations from the Everton win
- 9 points: Arsenal's gap over Liverpool at the top
- 73rd minute: Tzolis forced a save from Alisson
Injury and availability
Bukayo Saka and William Saliba were both absent through injury. No return dates were given in the source.
Why Arteta's midfield rotation worked at Anfield
Mikel Arteta's decision to start Declan Rice alongside Martin Odegaard and Bruno Guimaraes gave Arsenal control in the centre. Rice's overlapping run for the goal showed his license to advance, while Guimaraes's range of passing repeatedly found Havertz and Madueke in space.
The absence of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba forced Arteta to adapt, but the back four of Timber, Konsa, Calafiori and Tzolis held firm. Calafiori's clearance from a dangerous cross and Raya's quick reaction to deny Isak were crucial moments.
Liverpool's best spell came before half-time, when Wirtz hit the crossbar and Mac Allister headed over from eight yards. Arsenal survived those scares and managed the game after the break, using substitutes Lewis-Skelly, Hincapie, Gyokeres and Merino to protect the lead.
Talking points
- Should Havertz keep his place ahead of Gyokeres after scoring the winner? The German's movement for the goal was exactly what Arteta wants from his false nine.
- Liverpool's failure to convert first-half chances cost them. Wirtz's free-kick and Mac Allister's header were the kind of opportunities that change games.
- Arsenal's defensive discipline without Saliba was impressive. Konsa and Calafiori looked organised and communicated well.
- Is nine points already too big a gap for Liverpool to close? The title race is far from over, but Arsenal have laid down a marker.
What happens next
Arsenal return to Premier League action next weekend, looking to extend their lead at the top. Liverpool must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the title race. The January transfer window also looms, with both clubs potentially seeking reinforcements.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored Arsenal's winner against Liverpool?
Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the 16th minute, finishing Declan Rice's cross.
Where are Arsenal in the Premier League table after beating Liverpool?
Arsenal moved above Manchester City to the top of the table and opened a nine-point gap over Liverpool.
Were Bukayo Saka and William Saliba injured for Arsenal?
Yes, both Saka and Saliba were absent through injury for the match at Anfield.
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