Arsenal have ended a 14-year wait for victory at Anfield, defeating Liverpool 1-0 in a closely contested Premier League encounter to move three points clear at the top of the table.
Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute on Sunday, November 1, converting a low cross from Declan Rice after Liverpool lost possession while attempting to build from the back.
The victory was Arsenal's first at Liverpool's home ground since September 2012, when current manager Mikel Arteta was still playing for the London club.
The result strengthened Arsenal's position in the Premier League title race while leaving Liverpool nine points behind the leaders.
Havertz scores the winner
The opening stages were competitive, with both teams attempting to establish control.
Arsenal took the lead after forcing a turnover in Liverpool's defensive third.
Rice moved into space on the right and delivered a low cross towards the far post, where Havertz finished from close range.
The goal gave Arsenal an advantage they would maintain for the remainder of the match.
Liverpool responded with sustained attacking pressure, particularly during the closing stages of the first half.
Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free kick, while Alexis Mac Allister missed an opportunity with a header.
Despite creating several promising situations, the home side were unable to equalise.
Liverpool fail to register a shot on target
Liverpool attempted 17 shots during the match but failed to register an effort on target.
According to Opta, it was the first time in the available Premier League statistical record, dating from the 2003–04 season, that Liverpool had completed a home league match without a shot on target.
Arsenal's defensive organisation proved important as the visitors protected their narrow lead.
Liverpool continued to search for an equaliser, but Arsenal limited clear opportunities.
The result also highlighted the contrast between Liverpool's territorial pressure and Arsenal's efficiency in converting one of their most important attacking opportunities.
Penalty controversy
The match included several disputed refereeing decisions.
Liverpool appealed for a penalty after Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak's shirt inside the penalty area.
The referee did not award a penalty, and the video assistant referee did not intervene.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola subsequently criticised the decision, arguing that the contact should have resulted in a penalty.
The incident generated debate among television analysts and supporters.
However, the referee's decision remained unchanged, and the final result was confirmed.
Arsenal move clear at the top
The victory moved Arsenal to 24 points from nine league matches.
Arteta's side are three points ahead of Manchester City, while Liverpool remain nine points behind Arsenal.
The result represents a significant early-season achievement for Arsenal, who have established themselves among the leading contenders for the title.
Winning at Anfield has historically been difficult for visiting teams.
Arsenal's previous league victory there came in 2012, when they won 2-0.
The club had subsequently endured a prolonged winless sequence at the ground.
Sunday's result ended that run and provided a significant boost to the team's confidence.
Havertz makes Premier League history
Havertz also reached an individual milestone with his winning goal.
The German international moved to 46 Premier League goals, surpassing Ilkay Gündogan's total of 45 to become the competition's highest-scoring German player.
The achievement adds to his contribution to Arsenal's attack and reflects his development across spells with Chelsea and Arsenal.
His latest goal was particularly important because of the opposition, venue and impact on the league standings.
Liverpool face questions over attacking performance
Liverpool entered the match hoping to close the gap on the leaders.
However, their inability to convert pressure into goals proved costly.
The team had opportunities to equalise but failed to take advantage of them.
Iraola will now face questions about Liverpool's attacking efficiency and the consistency of their performances against leading opponents.
The defeat does not end Liverpool's title ambitions, particularly at this early stage of the season.
Nevertheless, the nine-point gap to Arsenal increases the importance of their upcoming league matches.
What happens next
Arsenal will attempt to build on their victory as the Premier League season continues.
The club's strong start has created expectations that it can sustain a serious title challenge.
Liverpool must respond to the defeat and seek to reduce the gap to the teams above them.
The result also adds another chapter to the rivalry between two of English football's most prominent clubs.
For Arsenal, the immediate achievement is clear: a first victory at Anfield in 14 years, a historic milestone for Havertz and a three-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.
