Mikel Arteta has issued his response to Arsenal completely shutting out Liverpool during their 1-0 win over the Reds on Sunday.

The Gunners restricted their hosts to no shots on target at Anfield to claim a first victory on Merseyside in 14 years, as Kai Havertz’s strike was enough to secure all three points.

It was the first time that Liverpool had not registered a shot on target at home since Opta records began in 2003.

It was a controversial affair, with Reds boss Iraola claiming that his side should have had two separate penalties, with Jurrien Timber spotted tugging at Alexander Isak’s shirt as he looked to nod the ball home, and then he accused winger Christos Tzolis of a pull back on Cody Gakpo.

Big win: Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal, however, survived those scares and rode their luck to sneak out with the points that takes them top of the Premier League table.

Arteta was full of praise for his compatriot and opposite number after the match.

“I want to give credit to Liverpool, the manner that they played, the way they are set up,” he said. “To Andoni and what they're doing because they are a top side, and it's very difficult.

“That's why I think winning here deserves even more credit. I didn't know about that stat, but that's incredible.

“It didn't feel like this to be fair on the pitch because there were very little margins sometimes when they had the opportunity to shoot, and it's a team that shoots a lot. So you have to be so good at blocking shots and preventing those spaces for them to get into there.”

The north Londoners produced an ideal response to their stunning midweek upset in the Carabao Cup, as they were knocked out in the last 16 by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on penalties.

Next up, the champions face a Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.