Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his players celebrated a historic 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as German forward Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal to end the Gunners’ 14-year wait for a league win at the Merseyside stadium and move the reigning champions three points clear at the top of the table.
Havertz struck in the 16th minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked attacking move involving Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke and Declan Rice, giving Arsenal a valuable advantage in a fiercely contested encounter.
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The result was particularly significant for Arteta’s side, who had not recorded a Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012.
It also provided a timely response to their disappointing League Cup exit against fourth-tier Fleetwood Town earlier in the week.
Arsenal started with greater urgency and took advantage of an error in Liverpool’s build-up play to create the opening goal. After the hosts lost possession while attempting to play out from the back, Ødegaard helped initiate the attack, allowing the visitors to move the ball towards the right flank.
Rice subsequently delivered a precise low cross into the penalty area, where Havertz arrived to guide the ball beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The goal gave Arsenal an early platform, but Liverpool responded with considerable intensity, producing a strong attacking spell as they searched for an equaliser.
Florian Wirtz came close with a free-kick that struck the woodwork, while Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister missed a promising headed opportunity after meeting a delivery from Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool also believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Alexander Isak was held back by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber while attempting to connect with a dangerous cross from Bradley Barcola.
The incident attracted considerable attention after replays appeared to show Timber pulling Isak’s shirt, but the officials allowed play to continue without awarding a spot-kick.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was particularly frustrated by the decision, insisting that his forward had been denied a clear opportunity.
“The Alex Isak one is a clear penalty. You hold the shirt; we can all see that he holds the shirt. The ball just goes one centimetre in front of Alex,” Iraola said.
He questioned why the incident had not resulted in a penalty, suggesting that players should not have to go to ground to convince officials that a foul has occurred.
Despite Liverpool’s first-half pressure, Arsenal went into the interval with their advantage intact.
The second half saw the visitors become more organised defensively, restricting Liverpool’s attacking opportunities while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.
Alisson produced an excellent save in the 73rd minute to deny Christos Tzolis, whose effort was heading towards the bottom corner.
Arsenal, however, maintained their composure through the closing stages, protecting their narrow lead to secure an important victory and another clean sheet.
Arteta was particularly pleased with the response from his players following their midweek disappointment, acknowledging the significance of finally overcoming Liverpool at Anfield.
“It feels better as a manager, because it’s been such a long time. We really needed it. We’re extremely proud, especially because of the conditions we arrive in the game after defeat to Fleetwood. We had to pick ourselves up,” the Arsenal manager said.
He added that his team understood the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the encounter, particularly during periods when Liverpool threatened to take control.
The victory lifted Arsenal to 24 points from nine league matches, three ahead of second-placed Manchester City, while Liverpool remained fifth on 15 points.
The nine-point gap between the two sides represents a significant early setback for Liverpool, who had hoped to strengthen their title credentials with a victory over the reigning champions.
Liverpool’s defeat also ended their five-match winning run across all competitions and represented only their second loss since Iraola took charge of the club.
The Spanish manager, however, urged his players not to become discouraged, stressing that the season remained at an early stage.
“I loved the reaction from my players after going 1-0 down. I loved a lot of moments of the game,” Iraola said.
“We have to keep going. It is very early in the season. Arsenal are in the best of the situations but it is just the start of November today.”
Beyond the immediate result, Arsenal’s victory could prove important in shaping the early Premier League title race, particularly as Manchester City remain among their strongest competitors.
City are also facing a separate legal dispute involving more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
However, the outcome and any potential sporting sanctions remain subject to the ongoing proceedings, making it too early to treat a points deduction as certain.
For Arsenal, the victory offers more than three points.
Ending their long wait for a league win at Anfield reinforces their growing confidence and demonstrates their ability to navigate difficult away fixtures against direct title rivals.
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With the Premier League campaign still developing, Arteta’s immediate challenge will be to maintain that consistency and ensure his players build on a result that could carry considerable significance in the months ahead.
