Kai Havertz’s first-half goal proved decisive as Arsenal finally banished their Anfield demons by claiming a 1-0 win over Liverpool.

Arsenal had not won at Anfield since 2012, when Arsene Wenger was still manager and current boss Mikel Arteta was in the starting XI.

But they were excellent in the opening stages on Merseyside as they set about ending their wait for an Anfield victory and moving top of the Premier League following Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Havertz finished off a superb Arsenal move to give them the lead in the 16th minute and, after surviving a period of intense Liverpool pressure that followed in the first half, the Gunners produced another demonstration of their prowess for taking the life out of a game, with Liverpool’s efforts to find an equaliser declining in their menace as the game wore on.

Indeed, Liverpool finished the game without a shot on target and nine points behind the defending champions, the relative ease with which Arsenal repelled the hosts’ increasingly desperate attacks illustrative of why they are the clear favourites to retain the title.

While Arsenal’s win was a testament to their defensive strength, the opening goal was a reminder of the attacking quality they possess, with Declan Rice to the fore as he registered his fifth Premier League assist of the season.

Martin Odegaard’s press saw Arsenal win the ball high up the pitch before Bruno Guimaraes sprayed the ball right to Noni Madueke.

Madueke found the overlapping Rice, whose superb low delivery put the ball on a plate for Havertz to turn home at the far post.

Liverpool had a claim for a penalty that was ignored as Alexander Isak’s shirt was tugged by Jurrien Timber. Isak did not go down despite Timber’s actions playing a role in preventing him making contact with an inviting Bradley Barcola cross.

Arsenal saw two opportunities to double their lead go begging as Havertz was able to stretch to meet a brilliant Guimaraes cross, with Timber then inadvertently denying Madueke as he attempted to convert from Christos Tzolis’ deep delivery.

Milos Kerkez found himself in an unfamiliar position and failed to make the most of it as the Liverpool left-back sent a tame volley wide from close range, before Isak drilled wide of David Raya’s near post.

Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar from a free-kick, but the best chance of the game for Liverpool came and went as Alexis Mac Allister headed over unmarked from Kerkez’s left-wing cross.

Arsenal making it to half-time with the lead still intact felt significant, and so it proved as Liverpool faded as an attacking force.

Only a strong save from Alisson prevented Tzolis from curling home a second for Arsenal, but the extra breathing room never looked like being required as Arsenal saw out a result that has been so elusive over the years with a minimum of fuss.

The Premier League Table

• Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
• Position 5 : Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
• Position 18, 19, 20 : Relegation – Championship

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