Kai Havertz scored his first goal in ten appearances as Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, securing a vital win and making a statement in the Premier League title race.
Havertz strikes early
Havertz slotted home the winner in the 16th minute with a close-range finish. The goal proved decisive in a game where Arsenal showed their ruthless side and the champion know-how accumulated over the course of last season.
As Arsenal headed back to London, they did so having made a statement. Irrespective of what happens to Manchester City over their financial rule breaches, Arsenal remain the Premier League's team to beat.
Arteta's Anfield memories
Mikel Arteta was in the Arsenal midfield when the club previously won a league fixture at Anfield, back in September 2012, although his memories are hazy owing to the concussion he suffered in a collision with Jordan Henderson.
Arteta has a clear-eyed focus on retaining the league title and this was an occasion to see his hopes surge. The victory was rooted in Arsenal's capacity to control and frustrate.
Liverpool's frustration
When the full-time whistle went, the Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, was booked for sarcastically applauding the referee, Andy Madley. Everybody connected to the club raged at what they perceived as Arsenal's dark arts. The truth was that Arteta's team held them at arm's length with relative comfort.
Liverpool ran out of ideas as their five-match winning streak in all competitions came to a shuddering halt. They provided high-energy enjoyment in the first half but fizzled out badly, the invention drying up.
Arsenal's previous trip to the North-West had ended badly on Tuesday night with the Carabao Cup humiliation at Fleetwood. This was much more like it.
