Arsenal secured a crucial win over Liverpool on Sunday, ending their 14-year wait to win a Premier League game at Anfield. The Gunners dominated possession early on but soon succumbed to Liverpool's high press as the hosts pressed for the opener. The win marked a significant milestone for Arsenal, who had not won at Anfield since 2012. This victory propelled them to the top of the Premier League table.
The reigning champions needed a response following their disappointing midweek loss to Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup. Liverpool, on the other hand, targeted a sixth straight win. Despite dominating possession, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, they managed to capitalize on a Declan Rice square ball into the box, which Kai Havertz converted to register his third goal of the season.
Liverpool had a claim for a penalty after Coady Gapko went down in the box, but the appeal was dismissed by Andy Madley after a VAR review. Florian Wirtz came closest to restoring parity in the first half, but his free kick from the side of the box came off the crossbar. The hosts continued to press but lacked composure in front of goal, failing to register a shot on target for the entire duration of the match.
Arsenal held on to the slim margin to secure maximum points. The Gunners returned to the summit of the Premier League following Manchester City's loss to Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday. With 24 points after nine matches, Arsenal are three points clear at the top of the table.
Manchester City have three points less after nine rounds of matches, while Liverpool are fifth with 15 points. The Reds put their second home loss of the season behind them heading into the Champions League week.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in his team's performance, stating that they managed the difficult environment at Anfield much better than in the past. "Extremely proud," Arteta said on Sky Sports at the final whistle. "It's been 14 years, and that's a long time, so I'm sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today."
Arteta attributed the win to his team's spirit and ability to bounce back from their midweek loss. "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," he said.
Key points
- Arsenal ended their 14-year wait to win a Premier League game at Anfield.
- The Gunners returned to the summit of the Premier League following Manchester City's loss to Brighton.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in his team's performance and spirit.
