Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz punishes Alisson error as Gunners end 14-year Anfield wait and go top

Arsenal finally won a league match at Anfield again. Kai Havertz scored the only goal after 16 minutes on Sunday, and the 1-0 win over Liverpool lifted Mikel Arteta's side to the top of the Premier League. It was Arsenal's first top-flight victory on Merseyside since 2012. Liverpool stay fifth, nine points behind the new leaders.

How the goal came

The decisive moment came from a mistake at the back. Alisson Becker tried to play out from his own area, his pass towards Jeremy Jacquet was cut out, and Arsenal pounced. Noni Madueke and Declan Rice combined down the flank, and Rice's delivery found Havertz unmarked at the far post for a simple finish.

The goal also had personal significance for the Germany forward. Several outlets, including ESPN and Sports Mole, reported that it made Havertz the highest-scoring German player in Premier League history, moving him past Ilkay Gundogan. It was his third goal of the season for Arsenal.

Liverpool had the ball, Arsenal had the chances

Liverpool controlled much of the game after falling behind, but they rarely troubled David Raya. Sports Mole's match data shows Arne Slot's side had 56% possession and 17 shots, yet managed only one effort on target. Arsenal had 10 shots and put three on target.

Liverpool's biggest complaint was a possible penalty when Alexander Isak's shirt appeared to be pulled by Jurrien Timber. The incident was checked by VAR, but no spot-kick was given. Asked about it after the match, Arteta said he had not seen the moment.

The game grew more heated as it went on, with bookings for players on both sides in the second half. Arsenal defended deep for long spells and saw the game out.

What it means for the title race

Arsenal's record now reads eight wins and one defeat from nine league matches, giving them 24 points. Manchester City, beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton on Saturday, are second on 21. Brighton are third on 19 points and Chelsea fourth on 16 after their 2-0 win over Manchester United.

Liverpool have 15 points from four wins, three draws and two defeats. That is already a nine-point gap to the leaders before November is a week old.

Arteta was careful not to get carried away. He described the end of the long wait at Anfield as a proud moment, telling reporters it had been "14 years, which is a long time", but he also stressed that the title race was at a very early stage.

Up next: Champions League week

Both clubs switch straight to European football. Arsenal visit Slavia Prague and Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce on Wednesday, 4 November. Both matches are listed by UEFA for European evening kick-offs, which means very early Thursday morning starts for fans in Malaysia (4am for Slavia v Arsenal, 1.45am for Fenerbahce v Liverpool).

The Premier League round is not quite finished. Everton host Newcastle on Monday night in England, with both sides still having a game in hand on most of the division.

Key takeaways

• Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute after an Alisson error to give Arsenal a 1-0 win.
• It was Arsenal's first league win at Anfield since 2012.
• Arsenal lead the Premier League on 24 points, three ahead of Manchester City.
• Liverpool are fifth on 15 points, nine behind the leaders.
• A Liverpool penalty appeal for a pull on Alexander Isak was checked by VAR and turned down.

FAQ

Who scored in Liverpool vs Arsenal? Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the 16th minute, finishing at the far post after a move involving Noni Madueke and Declan Rice.

When did Arsenal last win a league game at Anfield before this? Their previous league win at Anfield came in 2012, so Sunday's result ended a wait of around 14 years.

When do Arsenal and Liverpool play next in Malaysia time? Slavia Prague v Arsenal kicks off at 4am on Thursday 5 November, and Fenerbahce v Liverpool at 1.45am the same morning (Malaysia time).

Sources: ESPN, Sports Mole, Goal, UEFA, Standings Today