LIVERPOOL 0 ARSENAL 1 Kai Havertz's early goal enough as Arsenal maintain defensive mastery at Anfield

LIVERPOOL — Kai Havertz's 16th-minute header proved enough as Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday, extending their unbeaten run at the ground and keeping pace at the summit despite Manchester City's surprise defeat to Brighton on Saturday.

The German international rose above the Liverpool defence to nod home from close range after a swift Arsenal move, and the visitors then settled into a defensive shape that proved impenetrable. Liverpool, seeking to reduce the deficit, pressed forward in the second half but were held to zero shots on target - the first time Opta records have documented such a occurrence at Anfield in a league match.

The victory was Arsenal's eighth win in nine Premier League matches and moved them three points clear of Manchester City, who lost at Brighton on Saturday. Liverpool remain nine points behind with a quarter of the season gone, and the defeat extends a winless run at Anfield in league competition that dates back to 2022.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's side showed the maturity and organisation that characterised their title-winning campaign. The Gunners did not allow the occasion or the stadium to get to them, a contrast to previous visits where late goals have dropped points. Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola inherited a squad bearing the weight of a failed rebuild from the summer of 2025, and the attacking struggles continued, with forwards including Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez failing to create clear chances.

Young Liverpool players Jérémy Jacquet and Trey Nyoni featured but could not change the outcome. For Arsenal, the win marked their first at Anfield since 2012 and reinforced their status as early-season pace-setters, though a long campaign lies ahead.

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Liverpool 0 - 1 Arsenal Attendance: 53,394 Referee: Michael Salisbury