Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Havertz 16
Another day, another reminder of how much Arsenal have grown under Mikel Arteta. The champions had not won a league game at Liverpool for 16 years, but they finally ended that run with a 1-0 victory that could yet prove pivotal in the title race.
It was not a pretty performance but Arsenal showed the discipline and patience that helped them win the league last season. This result here at Anfield also sent a message to their rivals: whatever happens with Manchester City’s financial charges, Arsenal are the team to beat.
Liverpool arrived on a five-match winning run in all competitions and started with plenty of energy. Trey Nyoni made his full Premier League debut and wasted little time getting involved. The teenager caught Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz with strong challenges, although he quite noticeably escaped without a booking.
The home crowd were soon frustrated by Arsenal’s dark arts. The visitors won a series of free-kicks and took their time whenever possible. Liverpool felt the Gunners were making too much of contact, but the irritation only grew when the hosts fell behind.
Alisson Becker was responsible for the mistake in the 16th minute. The Liverpool goalkeeper tried to play a short pass to Jeremy Jacquet, but his delivery was poor and Odegaard intercepted it.
Arsenal moved quickly from there. Odegaard helped send the ball towards Noni Madueke on the right, who combined with Declan Rice. The midfielder delivered a low cross into the six-yard box and Havertz was in the right place to tap home.
The goal was Havertz’s first in 10 appearances and his 27th for Arsenal. It also took him past Ilkay Gundogan as the German with the most Premier League goals.
Liverpool had chances to respond before half-time. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free-kick, and Alexis Mac Allister wasted a better opportunity when he headed Milos Kerkez’s cross over the bar from close range.
RESOLUTE 🧱
Limiting Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League game without a shot on target at Anfield 😮 https://t.co/ZU7c6iSiuo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 1, 2026
The hosts also had reason to feel aggrieved when Alexander Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Jurrien Timber as he tried to reach a cross. VAR did not intervene, much to the frustration of the Liverpool bench.
Arsenal had a few close moments when they found openings on the counter-attack, and they nearly created a second goal when Madueke volleyed a cross back into the danger area, but Havertz could not get a touch, and Timber was unable to react quickly enough to turn the ball in.
But in the second period they became more conservative and Liverpool enjoyed lots of possession. No easy feat breaking down the league’s best defence, though. Arsenal threatened to end the contest when Jacquet slipped in the 68th minute. Christos Tzolis took advantage and almost set up Odegaard, but Jacquet recovered for an important block. Tzolis later forced a good save from Alisson with a first-time effort as Arsenal tested nerves at Anfield.
Liverpool’s frustration became evident as the clock ticked down and Mac Allister could have had a second booking after clashing with Madueke. His side’s threat in front of goal had largely diminished, stalking around the hedges but never quite pouncing. At some point Arsenal almost began to enjoy this, and at the final whistle they could celebrate.
