Havertz turned home Rice’s low cross for the only goal in the 16th minute and Mikel Arteta’s side then defended resolutely to bounce back from their shock midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood and move three points clear at the top of the table.

Havertz told Sky Sports: “I think you know 90 per cent of the goal belongs to that man (Rice). I think we all know his right foot, and today he was there, brilliant overlap and perfect cross.

“And for me, it was an easy tap-in. And as I said, I think that goal definitely belongs to him.”

After the Gunners secured their first league win at Anfield since 2012, Havertz added: “It means a lot to the whole football club. I think we just saw it before the game. I think it’s been 14 years.

“It’s a crazy stat, and I think that’s what (the fans) deserve and I think we’re all happy that we gave it to them again.”

Rice hailed Arsenal’s team spirit but insisted it was too early in the season to celebrate their return to the top flight’s summit.

He said: “Like you said, we’ve not won here in 14 years, so we got off to a very good start.

“We could have probably done a little bit more as well in front of goal but in the end, that defensive line, the way we stick together, that togetherness we have, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

“I’ve learned that the table, you can only take it seriously in February, March. If you’re there or thereabouts, then you know you’re in with a shout.

“Anything now between now and then, you’ve got to win as many as you can.”

Liverpool were aggrieved they were not awarded a first-half penalty when Alexander Isak’s shirt was clearly being pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports: “I think it was also a clear penalty. I’ve seen it back, yeah a tug on Isak.

“I’ve seen it being given as well on other occasions, but today it wasn’t. It wasn’t meant to be. Everyone’s seen it, but in the end, obviously, it wasn’t given, and we lose the game, unfortunately. So well done to Arsenal.”