Premier League: Arsenal Claims Top Spot After First Anfield Win in 14 Years

Arsenal moved into first place in the Premier League on Sunday after defeating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. The victory marks the Gunners' first win at Liverpool's home stadium since 2012. The result extends Arsenal's lead over Manchester City to three points.

Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute. The striker finished a low cross from Declan Rice at the back post. The goal gave Havertz 46 career Premier League goals, making him the all-time leading German scorer in the competition. He surpasses former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The scoring sequence originated from a defensive error by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Becker attempted a short pass from the back during a goal kick. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard intercepted the ball and initiated a counterattack. Rice received the ball on the right side and delivered the assist.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was playing for the visitors in 2012 when the club last won at Anfield. He managed the team's midfield during that match. The current squad has defended its title position with a sixth clean sheet in nine matches.

Declan Rice credited the team's defensive unity for the result. "In the end, that defensive line, the way we stick together, that togetherness we have, is undefeated," Rice said. "It's nothing I've ever seen before."

Liverpool failed to register a shot on target during the entire match. The team had been winning its previous five league games. This loss follows a defeat by Manchester City at Anfield on October 11. Liverpool remains in fifth place, nine points behind Arsenal.

Liverpool created several chances in the final 25 minutes of the first half. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free kick. Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball over the bar from an open position. Several penalty appeals were dismissed by the referee.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai acknowledged the inconsistency of his team's performance. "Some days it feels like we are at the top," Szoboszlai said. "and some days it feels like we are not even close. It takes time to get to the top."

The win comes five days after Arsenal was eliminated by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the English League Cup. Arteta deployed a largely second-string lineup for that penalty shootout defeat. He restored his regular starting eleven for the match against Liverpool.

Arteta described the unpredictability of the sport following the two contrasting results. "This is the magical thing about football," Arteta said. "It's so unpredictable, the next result."

Arsenal now sits five points ahead of third-place Brighton. Brighton is the only team to defeat the defending champions this season. Manchester City lost its previous two league matches, falling to Aston Villa and Brighton respectively.