Arsenal edge Liverpool to return to Premier League summit

Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Kai Havertz’s first-half goal earned them a 1-0 victory at Liverpool.

Havertz struck in the 16th minute, finishing from Declan Rice’s low cross after Liverpool were caught attempting to play out from the back. The result gave Mikel Arteta’s side their first Premier League win at Anfield for 14 years.

Liverpool threatened before half-time, with Florian Wirtz curling a free-kick against the crossbar before Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a promising position.

However, Arsenal remained organised after the interval and restricted the hosts to few openings. Liverpool failed to record a shot on target as Arsenal produced the type of disciplined away performance that has become a feature of Arteta’s side.

The victory gave Arsenal 24 points from nine matches, taking them above Manchester City. City remain on 21 points after Saturday’s home defeat by Brighton and Hove Albion, their second consecutive league loss after winning their opening seven games.

Liverpool’s second defeat in the league this season leaves them fifth and nine points behind Arsenal.

The hosts had been gaining momentum under Andoni Iraola, and a third successive league victory would have strengthened suggestions that they could challenge for the title. Instead, they were punished for a poor start and struggled to break down Arsenal’s defence.

Liverpool’s loss of possession under Arsenal’s press led directly to the opening goal. Noni Madueke received the ball and found the advancing Rice, who sent a low pass across the face of goal for Havertz to end a nine-match scoring drought.

Iraola’s team controlled much of the remainder of the first half and appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt.

Arsenal improved defensively after the break, denying Liverpool a clear route to goal and securing their sixth clean sheet in nine Premier League matches. Their players celebrated in front of their travelling supporters at the final whistle, underlining the importance of the victory after their midweek League Cup shock against fourth-tier Fleetwood Town.

“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.”

Rice praised Arsenal’s collective defensive effort against Liverpool’s sustained pressure.

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

“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.”