The defending champions were made to suffer after the German’s 16th-minute opener but held out for what could be a telling win in their quest to retain the title. Arsenal climbed three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with their first win away to Liverpool in 14 years as Kai Havertz’s early strike secured a 1-0 victory for the Gunners. But with City expected to be hit with a severe points penalty, unless they can overturn a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of breaking Premier League rules, Arsenal dealt a huge blow to their most likely rivals for the title.
Arteta’s old friend gave his side one of the most uncomfortable afternoons they have experienced in recent seasons as Arsenal’s rock-solid defence was left clinging on for half-time. The visitors still had chances on the counter-attack as Bruno Guimaraes pulled a shot just wide before Timber inadvertently blocked Noni Madueke’s ball across goal with Havertz waiting to apply the finish. Up the other end, Wirtz curled a free-kick onto the bar from a narrow angle and Alexis Mac Allister should have buried a header into the goal rather than finding the stand behind David Raya’s goal. Half-time allowed Arsenal the chance to reset and take the wind out of Liverpool’s sails as Iraola’s men tired in the second period.
The early goal lit the touchpaper for a pulsating first 45 minutes as Liverpool roared back.
