Arsenal end 14-year Anfield drought, move three points clear in title race

Arsenal secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012 with a 1-0 win over Liverpool on November 1, 2026, moving three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute from a low cross by Declan Rice, giving the defending champions a commanding position in their title defence after nine games.

The result was historic for Arsenal, who had endured 16 unsuccessful trips to Anfield across all competitions before Sunday's victory. Liverpool dominated large periods of the match, particularly in the first half, but failed to register a shot on target—a first in their Premier League history at home. Arsenal's defence, marshalled by Gabriel and others, withstood sustained pressure from Liverpool's three £100 million-plus forwards: Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Bradley Barcola. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who is in his early months after arriving from Bournemouth, disputed a key decision, arguing that Isak was fouled by Jurrien Timber in a "clear penalty" incident when the forward failed to go to ground.

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta, who was captain during Arsenal's last Anfield win 14 years ago, described the victory as "magical," particularly given that it came four days after an embarrassing 2-0 loss to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup. Arteta said the humiliation in the cup could have spurred his side toward this historic achievement. The Gunners' 24 points after nine games is the most by any team at this stage since Arsenal's 2022-23 title-winning season, with only the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons seeing Arsenal with more points at this juncture. Arsenal have now won eight of their last nine league games and kept six clean sheets this season.

Declan Rice was named Player of the Match for his all-action display, delivering the assist for Havertz and leading an Arsenal midfield that controlled the tempo. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes praised Rice's powerful run down the right flank but argued the 27-year-old could become "virtually unplayable" if he reduces his touches and increases his tempo with one- or two-touch play. Scholes compared Rice's physical qualities to those of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Rice leads the Premier League assist chart with five in nine appearances and revealed that manager Arteta had issued him a personal challenge to do more this season.

Liverpool, now ninth in the table, have won just 2 of their last 14 games under Iraola. The defeat left them nine points adrift of the leaders. Manchester City, who are second on 21 points, face potential points deductions over more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League rules, which could further widen Arsenal's advantage in the title race. Arsenal's defensive record—allowing just 27 goals last season and maintaining that elite standard—is now proving to be their key asset as their attack, hampered by injuries to Bukayo Saka and suspensions, continues to develop.