Arsenal are now two points better off after nine games of this campaign than last season, when they won the title.

The Gunners attack is not yet flowing and they have scored just 14 league goals in nine games

Mikel Arteta has been restricted with his options in the forward line, with Bukayo Saka out injured, Max Dowman suspended after his red card at Fleetwood, Christos Tzolis just back from a hamstring injury, and Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz both struggling for form.

But the Arsenal defence is an elite unit.

The back four only conceded 27 goals last season and, on this performance, they could once again be the difference for the Gunners.

"I'm extremely proud; this is something you want to accomplish," Arteta said after being asked what the win against Liverpool means to him.

"That's the challenge and mission you want to accomplish. I love it when it's something we have not done for many years.

"It was the same with Chelsea away and Manchester United away. To be able to beat all those, that's the purpose and motivation and why we do what we do."

Manchester City are second in the table but waiting to find out what happens, pending their appeal, after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League financial rules.

And with the rest of the big-name sides in the league in a period of transition, Arsenal could find themselves with a healthy lead at the top of the table of the table if things carry on as they are.