Havertz gives Arsenal first league win at Anfield since 2012

Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute finish earned Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on 1 November, taking them three points clear at the top of the Premier League and ending a 14-year wait for a league win at the ground.

The forward turned in Declan Rice’s low cross at the far post to settle a contest in which Liverpool applied sustained pressure but struggled to turn promising positions into accurate finishing. Arsenal moved nine points ahead of their hosts and three clear of Manchester City.

It was Arsenal’s first Premier League victory at Anfield since September 2012 and Mikel Arteta’s first there as a manager. The result also provided an immediate response to their shock Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood Town.

Rice supplies the decisive opening

Arsenal made the breakthrough when Rice drove a low delivery across Liverpool’s defence and Havertz arrived beyond the home defenders to finish from close range. That combination supplied the decisive moment in a match that increasingly tested the visitors’ defensive organisation.

Liverpool pushed back strongly before half-time. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free-kick, Alexander Isak sent an effort wide and Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a promising position after meeting Milos Kerkez’s cross.

The chances gave the home side opportunities to undo Arsenal’s early advantage, but none brought an equaliser. Despite the pressure around their penalty area, the visitors reached the interval with their narrow lead intact.

Penalty appeals add to Liverpool’s frustration

Liverpool also appealed for a penalty after Jurrien Timber pulled Isak’s shirt as the striker tried to meet a cross. No spot-kick was awarded. Sky Sports’ match report judged the incident a likely penalty, making the non-award a significant talking point rather than an explanation for Liverpool’s defeat that can be treated as settled fact.

A separate appeal followed when Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge from Christos Tzolis, but the officials again allowed play to continue.

Liverpool’s attacking frustration extended beyond those decisions. According to Sky Sports, they finished with 17 attempts but not one on target, leaving David Raya without a save to make. Their inability to find the target proved costly against opponents who had taken their clearest early opportunity.

Arsenal hold firm after the break

The hosts continued searching for an equaliser in the second half, but Arsenal’s compact shape limited the openings. As the game progressed, the visitors became more comfortable protecting their lead and slowing Liverpool’s momentum.

Arsenal also threatened to add a second goal. Alisson produced an important save to deny Tzolis in the 73rd minute, keeping Liverpool within reach of a point.

There was no late breakthrough, however. Arsenal held on to end their long Anfield drought, secure a fourth consecutive league victory and turn a difficult away assignment into a valuable advantage at the summit.