Premier League Standings: Arsenal Tops Table After Anfield Win
Kai Havertz’s solo strike ended Liverpool’s five-game winning streak and put Mikel Arteta’s team three points ahead of Manchester City.
By Alina Campbell ·
Arsenal players secured their first Premier League victory at Liverpool’s home ground in 14 years on Sunday, moving to the top of the league table. The 1-0 result at Anfield ended Liverpool’s five-game winning streak in all competitions and placed Mikel Arteta’s side three points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match inside 17 minutes. He tapped the ball in at the far post after a cross from Declan Rice. The sequence began with a pass from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson that was intercepted by Arsenal in midfield. Havertz’s goal moved him past Ilkay Gündogan to become the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer from Germany, with 46 career goals.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola’s team responded aggressively to the early deficit. The hosts recorded 28 touches inside the Arsenal penalty area during the first half. That figure represents the highest number of touches by any team against Arsenal in the first half of a Premier League game since records began in the 2008-09 season. Liverpool also pressed for a penalty after Jurriën Timber pulled the shirt of Alexander Isak inside the box, but officials did not award the spot kick.
Arsenal controlled the second half to protect the lead. Arteta substituted Bruno Guimarães for Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 62nd minute, a change that shifted the team’s shape. Liverpool striker Alexis Mac Allister headed a cross over the bar late in the first half, while Arsenal’s Christos Tzolis had a low shot tipped around the post by Alisson. No other goals were recorded in the final 30 minutes.
The win concludes a difficult history for Arsenal at Anfield. The team has not won at this venue since September 2012, the year Arteta was a player for the club. Previous visits have resulted in heavy defeats, including losses by scores of 4-0 in 2017 and 2021, and 5-1 in 2018. This victory marks the first time the Gunners have beaten the Reds at Anfield in over a decade.
Transfer markets data highlights the cost disparity between the two attacking units. Liverpool’s front four of Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo cost a combined 401.5 million pounds. Arsenal’s attacking lineup, featuring Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Christos Tzolis, and Noni Madueke, cost 187.5 million pounds. The lower cost did not hinder Arsenal’s defensive structure, which held firm against Liverpool’s pressure.
Liverpool supporters chanted in support of their team despite the loss, reflecting optimism about the direction under Iraola. The manager’s high-pressing style remains popular among fans who see the team in a rebuilding phase. Arsenal remains at the top of the table with a three-point lead, having now beaten every Premier League opponent except Manchester City on Arteta’s watch as manager.
The next scheduled fixtures for both teams have not been detailed in the match report. Liverpool will prepare for their next league encounter while Arsenal aims to extend their lead. The result solidifies Arsenal’s position as the league leaders heading into the final stretch of the season.
