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Havertz pounces on Alisson error as Arsenal win at Anfield for the first time in 14 attempts
Kai Havertz scored the only goal after 16 minutes when Liverpool's goalkeeper gave the ball away, and the champions held on without allowing a single home shot on target.
Key points
- Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute after an Alisson Becker mistake.
- Arsenal ended a run of 14 matches without a win at Anfield.
- Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target at home.
Arsenal won at Anfield for the first time in 14 attempts on Sunday night, beating Liverpool 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Kai Havertz that began with a costly mistake by Alisson Becker.
The champions then did something no visiting side had managed before: they left Anfield having allowed Liverpool no shot on target at all. It was Liverpool’s first home defeat to the reigning champions since December 2007.
How the goal came
The decisive moment came after 16 minutes. Alisson, trying to play out from the back, sent a wayward pass straight to Martin Odegaard. Declan Rice took over and slid a low ball across the six-yard box, and Havertz arrived at the back post to finish.
It was Rice’s fifth Premier League assist of the season, already a career best. The goal was a gift, and Arsenal, without the injured Bukayo Saka, were sharp enough to take it.
Noni Madueke, standing in for Saka on the right, was one of the brightest players in the opening half hour and created a big chance of his own. Arsenal’s club account summed up the mood afterwards: “BIG PERFORMANCE. BIG WIN.”
Liverpool push but cannot find a way
Liverpool were not short of moments. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free kick, and Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a fine position after a late run into the box. Alexander Isak also missed a good opening before half-time.
The home crowd’s loudest complaint came when Isak was held by Jurrien Timber under a high ball in the penalty area. No penalty was given and VAR did not step in. Isak finished with two shots, both off target, and only three touches in the Arsenal box.
There was a first Premier League start for 19-year-old Trey Nyoni in Liverpool’s midfield. He had more touches than anyone on the pitch, 60, before Dominik Szoboszlai replaced him shortly before the hour.
What it means
Arsenal began the day second on 21 points from eight games, level on points at the top. The win takes them to 24 points from nine matches. Liverpool stay fourth on 15 points and now trail the champions by nine.
Manchester City’s defeat earlier in the weekend had given Liverpool a chance to close the gap on the leaders. Instead, the evening ended with Arsenal’s long Anfield hoodoo finally broken.