Figure caption,

Arsenal move clear at the top with a rare win at Liverpool

By

Alex Howell

Arsenal reporter

  • Published2 minutes ago

"Today has to be the day."

That is what manager Mikel Arteta said beforeArsenalsecured their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, beatingLiverpoolthanks to Kai Havertz first-half goal.

Arteta wasArsenalcaptain the last time the Gunners won atLiverpool- 2-0 in 2012 - and they have had 16 unsuccessful trips in all competitions until Sunday's victory.

The Spaniard's side, as they so often do, produced a defensive masterclass to keep out wave after wave ofLiverpoolattack to deliver a rare and historic win.

Arsenaltravelled to Anfield after an embarrassing loss to League Two Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Arteta said he thought that humbling loss in Lancashire could spur his side on to a historic win atLiverpool.

"Extremely proud. It's been 14 years, that's a long time," Arteta said after the game.

"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."

Before the match, centre-back Gabriel said thatArsenalwere expecting a "big battle" and "big chaos" againstLiverpool.

That prediction was correct and, after going ahead,Arsenalwere pinned back before the break.

Although the second half was a bit calmer, they still defended resolutely and did not allowLiverpoola shot on target.

The Gunners, who have kept six clean sheets this season, are now three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.

Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,

Arsenal have kept six clean sheets in the Premier League this season

'The togetherness we have is undefeated'

Arsenal's 24 points is the most by any team after nine games of a season since the Gunners themselves in 2022-23.

And only in the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons haveArsenalhad more at this stage of a Premier League season.

"It means a lot to our football club," match winner Havertz said after the win.

"It's been 13 games [in the Premier League without a win here], its a crazy stat and it's what the fans deserve. We are happy we gave them that."

The win was also the first time thatArsenalhad kept a clean sheet at Anfield in the Premier League since that victory in 2012.

"That is the Anfield way, that is what thisLiverpoolteam can do, this is what this stadium does to you," Declan Rice - who assisted Havertz's goal - added. "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."

Rice has been one ofArsenal's standout players this season and has five assists in the league already

Arsenal set for title defence

Figure caption,

Mikel Arteta post-match interview - Liverpool v Arsenal

Arsenalare now two points better off after nine games of this campaoign than last season, when they won the title.

The Gunners attack is not yet flowing and they have scored just 14 league goals in nine games

Arteta has been restricted with his options in the forward line with Bukayo Saka out injured, 16-year-old Max Dowman suspended after his red card at Fleetwood, Christos Tzolis just back from a hamstring injury, and Viktor Gyokeres and Havertz both struggling for form.

But theArsenaldefence is an elite unit.

The back four only conceded 27 goals last season and, on this performance, they could once again be the difference for the Gunners.

"I'm extremely proud; this is something you want to accomplish." Arteta said after being asked what the win againstLiverpoolmeans to him.

"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 withChelseaaway andManchester Unitedaway. To be able to beat all those, that's the purpose and motivation and why we do what we do."

Manchester Cityare second in the table but are waiting to find out what happens, pending their appeal, following theircharge for breaching the Premier League financial rules.

And with the rest of the big-name sides in the league in a period of transition,Arsenalcould find themselves with a healthy lead at the top of the table of the table if things carry on as they are.

Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,

Declan Rice has assisted five goals in the Premier League this season, more than any other player

Related topics