Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were under pressure for much of the day but emerged from Anfield with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool to go alone atop the Premier League table.

Kai Havertz’s early goal was enough for the Gunners, but Arteta will know there was plenty of waste from his old pal Andoni Iraola’s hosts.

Or will he?

Arteta was not impressed by a question implying that Arsenal had to dig deep and defend despite the Gunners sitting back for much of the game.

Yet a win is a win and the gritty Gunners sank back to ground out these three points.

Mikel Arteta reaction from Arsenal’s winning visit to Liverpool at Anfield

Big to get a win at Anfield? “Especially for everybody attached to this football club — 14 years without winning here is a long time. Things happen for a reason and that gave us a belief and a hunger to come here.”

That was a slog and not very fluid: “Very fluid at times. We generated six or seven big chances but we couldn’t break out. When you misplace a pass or clearance these guys are running at you. Makes it incredible to me.”

“They are in a really good moment, had won every game and fully deserved it. To come here and win in the manner that we’ve done.”

Declan Rice’s assist was excellent: “The moment to recognize the open situation and timing of him and Noni playing the 2v1. There were other moments where the team had some incredible actions.”