Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City’s defeat by Brighton as they edged a thrilling encounter at Liverpool to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Back-to-back losses for City handed the Gunners the opportunity to seize control of the title race, but they faced a difficult task against a rapidly improving Reds.

They broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Declan Rice’s ball across the face of goal was turned in by Kai Havertz at the back post. But after that Arsenal had to withstand wave after wave of Liverpool attacks for the rest of the first half as the home side looked to get back level.

David Raya just got to Virgil van Dijk’s flick-on when Alexander Isak was set to pounce and the Reds had two penalty claims waved away before Florian Wirtz crashed a free-kick against the crossbar.

Liverpool maintained their dominance early in the second half but Arsenal’s defence had tightened up considerably and left very few opportunities for the Reds to exploit.

The introduction of Myles Lewis-Skelly saw Arsenal regain the momentum in the latter stages and only a brilliant one-handed save by Alisson prevented Christos Tzolis from making it 2-0 with a fine first-time strike towards the far corner.

Ultimately, Havertz’s early goal was enough for Arsenal to take all three points as they celebrated a first win at Liverpool in the Premier League since 2012. The loss for Liverpool means they are fifth but nine points behind leaders Arsenal.