Havertz Ends Arsenal's 14-Year Anfield Wait — and Liverpool Never Landed a Punch
Kai Havertz's 16th-minute goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 win at Liverpool, their first at Anfield since 2012, and sent them top of the Premier League.
Some wins say more than three points. Arsenal's 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday was their first there in 14 years, and they did it without letting Liverpool put a single shot on target — a first on record for Liverpool at home, per Sky Sports.
One cross, one finish
The goal came early and it was clinical. Declan Rice cut a low ball across the box in the 16th minute, after Noni Madueke's run had opened the space, and Kai Havertz steered it home at the back post, per Liverpool's official match report. Sky Sports noted the goal made Havertz the Premier League's top-scoring German on 46, moving him past Ilkay Gundogan.
From there, Arsenal absorbed everything. Liverpool had 17 attempts, per Sky, and the best of them told the story of their afternoon: Alexander Isak flashed a shot wide, Florian Wirtz's free kick rattled the crossbar just before half-time, and Alexis Mac Allister headed over from eight yards, unmarked. David Raya was not forced into a save.
The flashpoints
Liverpool's frustration centered on two first-half penalty appeals that went unpunished, the loudest for Jurrien Timber's tug on Isak. "The Alex Isak one is a clear penalty," Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said afterward — the defeat was his second since taking charge. Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, savored it: "We really needed it."
What it means
Arsenal go top, three points clear of Manchester City and nine ahead of Liverpool, according to Sky Sports. For the hosts, the sharper worry is the pattern: four league goals in five home games this season, and a big-game blueprint — territory without penetration — that opponents are starting to trust. Gary Neville called Arsenal's performance "a defensive masterclass" and said the Gunners "are in the driving seat." On this evidence, it is hard to argue.