Alan Shearer has described Arsenal's defence as the 'best in world football' after the reigning champions secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The result moved Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the lead on 16 minutes, and that proved enough to secure all three points despite intense Liverpool pressure. Liverpool managed just one shot on target against an Arsenal side who have conceded only 10 goals in 15 games this season.
Team effort praised
'That is how you work as a team,' Shearer told Premier League Productions after Arsenal's first win at Anfield in 14 years. 'That is how you defend as a team. Every single one of them to a man were outstanding. When they were under the cosh in the second half, you could see how much they wanted to defend and what it means to them to keep a clean sheet.'
'I don't think there is a better team in world football that defend quite like Arsenal defend. Every player does their bit, it isn't just the back four.'
Shearer also praised the influence of manager Mikel Arteta, saying: 'It was brilliant sitting behind the Arsenal bench today and seeing what it means to them. The team ethic and team work and belief Arteta has in them. He didn't get flustered at all even when Arsenal had to suffer. He trusts his players.'
Walcott echoes praise
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott also lauded the Gunners' defensive solidity, insisting it will make Arteta's side 'difficult to stop this year'.
'Arsenal frustrated them,' Walcott said. 'To limit Liverpool to no shots on target shows the level of this team. They just love defending, don't they? I felt like they don't mind that pressure. These are champions who can do a bit of everything. They are going to be difficult to stop this year.'
Walcott added: 'I look at Arsenal's forward players and at no point do they get frustrated working for the team. That is different to many years ago. I remember the Arsenal teams I played in and we always wanted to attack. Now they are happy to work for the team. To win championships, you have to keep clean sheets, and that starts from the front. There are no players switching off, or giving up.'
Liverpool's frustration
While Arsenal underlined their status as Premier League title favourites, Liverpool suffered a humbling defeat after a promising run under Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool hero Steve McManaman said: 'They were the better team today, but they've walked off losing with just one shot on target. In the second half they had lots of possession, their effort and work rate and enthusiasm was all there. They were just missing that little bit of magic.'
Arsenal and Liverpool are both in Champions League action this week, with the Gunners facing Slavia Prague and the Reds visiting Fenerbahce.
