By Basant El-Faramawy
Arsenal secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years with a 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, moving three points clear at the top of the table.
Kai Havertz's first-half goal proved decisive as Mikel Arteta's side produced a defensive masterclass to withstand sustained Liverpool pressure. The win came just four days after Arsenal's embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Fleetwood Town.
Arteta hails 'magical' turnaround
Arteta, who was Arsenal captain during their last Anfield league win in 2012, described the victory as "magical" given the emotional aftermath of the Fleetwood defeat. "Extremely proud. It's been 14 years, that's a long time," he said. "Not only for the victory but for the way we've done it, the spirit we've shown."
Resolute defence keeps clean sheet
Arsenal's backline, which conceded only 27 league goals last season, held firm to register the club's first clean sheet at Anfield in the Premier League since 2012. Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in the second half as the Gunners secured their sixth clean sheet of the campaign.
Title defence takes shape
With 24 points from nine games, Arsenal have matched their best start since the 2007-08 season. Declan Rice, who assisted Havertz's goal, praised the team's togetherness: "That togetherness we have is undefeated." Despite attacking concerns due to injuries to Bukayo Saka and others, Arteta's side are two points better off than at the same stage last season when they ultimately won the title.
Manchester City, currently second, await the outcome of their appeal against Premier League financial charges, potentially allowing Arsenal to extend their lead if current form continues.
