Arsenal ended their 14-year wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, moving three points clear at the top of the table.
Kai Havertz’s early strike secured all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side, who took advantage of Manchester City’s back-to-back defeats to strengthen their position in the title race.
The result gives Arsenal a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City and leaves the Gunners nine points clear of Liverpool, who occupy fifth place.
The defending champions had to withstand sustained pressure after Havertz’s 16th-minute opener but held on for a potentially significant result in their bid to retain the title.
Liverpool produced an impressive response after falling behind, enjoying a dominant spell for much of the first half. However, they failed to convert their chances as manager Andoni Iraola suffered just his second defeat in 14 games since arriving from Bournemouth.
Arteta had been critical of his players following their shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. The Arsenal manager demanded a response, and his side delivered with a strong opening spell at Anfield.
Havertz, who had missed several opportunities in the midweek defeat, made amends by turning home Declan Rice’s precise low cross in the 16th minute.
The goal sparked an entertaining first half as Liverpool pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Iraola and Arteta were teammates as youngsters at Basque club Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea, but their friendship was put aside as the Liverpool manager sought to unsettle his former colleague’s side.
The defeat leaves fifth-placed Liverpool nine points behind the leaders, with their hopes of mounting a sustained title challenge facing an early setback.
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