Arsenal move top of Premier League after Havertz settles Anfield contest

Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Kai Havertz’s early goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Havertz finished from Declan Rice’s low delivery in the 16th minute after Liverpool were caught attempting to play out from the back. Noni Madueke released the overlapping Rice, whose ball across the area was converted by the German striker to end his nine-game run without a goal.

Liverpool responded with a strong spell before the interval. Florian Wirtz curled a free-kick against the crossbar, while Alexis Mac Allister headed a promising opportunity over.

Arsenal absorbed that pressure and produced a disciplined second-half performance, keeping Liverpool away from clear chances and securing their first Premier League victory at Anfield for 14 years.

The result took Mikel Arteta’s side to 24 points from nine games, replacing Manchester City at the summit. City remain on 21 points after Saturday’s home defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion, their second successive league loss after they had won their opening seven matches.

Liverpool suffered their second defeat of the league campaign and remain fifth, nine points behind Arsenal.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession and territory, Liverpool failed to record a shot on target as Arsenal delivered the type of determined away display that has become a feature of Arteta’s team.

Arsenal had been beaten by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the League Cup in midweek, but they responded by producing their sixth clean sheet in nine league matches. The importance of the result was reflected in the celebrations with their supporters at the final whistle.

“This means a lot to the whole football club and it’s been 14 years, that is a crazy stat and I think that we are all happy that we gave it to them today,” Havertz said.

“I think we all know what this stadium is about and what the fans are about. Liverpool have big players and they can show their quality. We knew that this was coming for us and we all stuck together and defended together.”

Liverpool had gradually found their rhythm under Andoni Iraola and successive league victories had raised hopes that they could challenge seriously for the title. However, they were brought back down to earth by a defeat for which they had few complaints.

The hosts were also responsible for the decisive mistake. Arsenal’s press forced Liverpool to surrender possession, allowing Madueke to find Rice and the midfielder to pick out Havertz.

Liverpool dominated for much of the rest of the first half and believed they should have had a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled at Alexander Isak’s shirt, but the appeal was rejected.

Arsenal became more compact after the break and prevented Liverpool from creating a clear opening.

“That is the Anfield way, that is what this Liverpool team can do and they just create waves and waves of attack. Relentless attacks,” said the tireless Rice.

“We knew it wouldn’t have been easy but in the end that defensive line and that togetherness is undefeated.

“So happy for Havertz because he deserved that goal and ultimately the 1-0 win.”