Premier League1 hour ago2 minute read

Arsenal Top Premier League After Rare Victory at Anfield

Kai Havertz scored the winner as Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

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Havertz strikes as Gunners beat Liverpool

Arsenal claimed a big 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to go three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match after 17 minutes. He tapped in at the far post from a Declan Rice cross after a stray pass into midfield by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson started the attacking move.

The goal made Havertz the highest scoring German player in Premier League history with 46 goals, surpassing Ilkay Gundogan. The result ended Liverpool's five game winning run in all competitions.

Liverpool attack held quiet despite pressure

Liverpool responded well after going behind. They wanted a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak by his shirt in the box. Alexis Mac Allister also missed a chance when he headed over the crossbar from a Milos Kerkez ball.

The hosts had 28 touches inside the Arsenal penalty area during the first half. That is the highest recorded total in the first half of a Premier League game against Arsenal since the 2008 season.

Despite that pressure, Andoni Iraola's team finished without a single shot on target. Arsenal almost added a second goal later, but Alisson saved a low drive from Christos Tzolis.

Defensive focus earns three points

Mikel Arteta guided his team to their first victory at Anfield since September 2012, back when he was still a player. Early in the match, Bruno Guimaraes celebrated a block in his own box with huge energy. Arteta later replaced Guimaraes with Myles Lewis-Skelly on 62 minutes.

Liverpool started a front four of Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo that cost over £401 million combined. Arsenal's attacking four of Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Tzolis and Noni Madueke cost £187.5 million.

Defensive discipline made the difference, leaving Liverpool nine points behind the league leaders.

What it means for the next game

Fenerbahce vs Liverpool (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): Fenerbahce win 24%, draw 22%, Liverpool win 53%; expected goals 1.36 to 2.06. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Slavia Prague vs Arsenal (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): Slavia Prague win 11%, draw 19%, Arsenal win 70%; expected goals 0.81 to 2.27. Our safest pick: Arsenal draw no bet.