Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz punishes Alisson error as Gunners go three points clear

Arsenal's Kai Havertz scored on 16 minutes and the champions held on to win 1-0 at Liverpool on Sunday, their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012. The defending champions go top on 24 points, three clear of Manchester City, who lost 1-0 at home to Brighton on Saturday, and nine ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.

A goalkeeping error decides it

The goal came from a poor pass by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson towards centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, who had no chance of keeping the ball. Arsenal won it and moved it to the right, where Arsenal's Noni Madueke and Declan Rice combined, and Rice's cross reached the far post for Havertz to tap in.

Liverpool dominate, but never test Raya

Liverpool had the ball for most of what followed: 56% possession and 17 shots to Arsenal's 10, with 14 of Liverpool's coming from inside the box, according to our match data. None of Liverpool's was on target, and the Evening Standard reported it was the first time since Opta's records began in 2003 that Liverpool failed to register a shot on target at home. The best chances came before the break: Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister headed over from close range after a cross from Liverpool defender Miloš Kerkez, and Liverpool's Florian Wirtz hit the bar with a free-kick. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was never seriously tested.

Two penalty claims turned down

Liverpool also wanted a penalty on 21 minutes, when Arsenal's Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak's shirt as the striker went for a header; referee Andy Madley waved play on and VAR agreed. The appeal of Liverpool's Cody Gakpo after a challenge by Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis had been rejected shortly before. "The Alex one is a clear penalty," Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports, adding that he would "definitely" tell Isak to make more of contact in the box in future. Isak, whose six league goals are second only to Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who has nine, had scored in his previous three league games but had no shot on target here.

Tempers flare late on

The closing stages turned heated after Mac Allister appeared to tap Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard on the head following a foul on him. Madueke, already on a yellow card, leaned his head into the Argentine midfielder. Madley booked Mac Allister and Timber but not Madueke, and the Premier League said VAR had checked the contact and found it "not forceful, not violent, not brutal". Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher, a Sky Sports pundit, said he was "delighted" Madueke was not sent off and called Mac Allister's behaviour "a joke".

What it changes

Arsenal have won eight of their nine league games, losing only 3-0 at Brighton, and have conceded five goals, the fewest in the division; Brighton, third on 19 points, are next on seven. Chelsea are fourth on 16, a point above Liverpool, who have 15 from four wins, three draws and two defeats. Carragher told Sky Sports the result "means Liverpool aren't going to win the league". Arsenal's Declan Rice was more cautious: "I've learned that the table, you can only take it seriously in February, March."

Arteta's answer to Fleetwood

Arsenal arrived after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in midweek. Manager Mikel Arteta said he felt "now was the moment" to respond at Anfield and that his side would have to "dig deep, have an element of luck at times, and for sure a lot of quality in key moments". "We have done it," he said.

Tzolis returns, then the international break

Tzolis started his first match since a hamstring injury on international duty with Greece a month ago and forced a low save from Alisson. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze was only on the bench: Arteta said Eze had an injury issue of his own and that it was "incredible" he was in the squad. Both clubs play in the Champions League on Wednesday, Arsenal against Slavia Prague and Liverpool against Fenerbahce. Then Arsenal host Hull, on 11 points, and Liverpool visit Crystal Palace, on seven, before the international break.