A historic win built on defence
Arsenal claimed their first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years, defeating Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday through Kai Havertz's goal in the first half. Mikel Arteta was Arsenal captain the last time the club won there, a 2-0 success in 2012, and the Gunners had since made 16 unsuccessful visits in all competitions. This time his team absorbed sustained Liverpool pressure, particularly before the interval, and did not allow the hosts a single shot on target.[S1][S2][S3][S5]
The win arrived four days after Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Fleetwood Town, a result Arteta suggested could push his players toward something historic. Arsenal have now recorded six clean sheets this season and sit three points clear at the top of the table after nine matches, with 24 points, the highest tally by any team at this stage since Arsenal themselves in 2022-23. Only in 2004-05 and 2007-08 have the Gunners had more points after nine Premier League games.[S1]
Havertz and Rice on ending the wait
Havertz, the match winner, said the result meant a great deal to the club and described the long run without a league win at Anfield as a remarkable statistic, adding that the supporters deserved the moment. Declan Rice, who set up the goal, said the home side generated relentless waves of attack and that Arsenal's unity carried them through. The clean sheet was Arsenal's first in the Premier League at Anfield since that 2012 victory.[S1]
Title defence takes shape
Arsenal are two points better off after nine games than at the same point last season, when they went on to win the title, though their attack has yet to find full fluency with only 14 league goals so far. Arteta has had limited forward options: Bukayo Saka is injured, 16-year-old Max Dowman was suspended after his red card at Fleetwood, Christos Tzolis has just returned from a hamstring problem, and Viktor Gyokeres and Havertz have both been short of form.[S1]
The defence, which conceded only 27 goals last season, again looks capable of being the difference. Arteta said the achievement pleased him greatly and that he relishes challenges the club has not met for many years, comparing it with past away wins at Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester City sit second while awaiting the outcome of their appeal against charges of breaching Premier League financial rules, and with other leading clubs in transition, Arsenal could build a substantial lead if their form holds.[S1]
