Arsenal end Anfield hoodoo to sink Liverpool
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffTitle holders Arsenal climbed to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening.
Premier League
Teams: Liverpool v Arsenal
Result: 0-1
Scorers: Havertz (16')
The Gunners were aiming to bounce back from the shock exit in the Carabao Cup, while the Reds seeked to extend their five-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Arsenal made the perfect start in the opening-quarter of the first half when Declan Rice managed to cut in on the right of the area and played a low cross to the far post for Kai Havertz to tap in.
The Reds very nearly got a response on the half-hour mark after a flick on by Virgil van Dijk from a corner-kick found Alexander Isak lurking at the near post and ready to pounce, but he was unable to convert.
Liverpool carved out another chance five minutes to the end of the first half when a powerful free-kick on the far side by Florian Wirtz swerved towards the top corner and clipped the top of the woodwork, with David Raya well-beaten.
Second Half:
Liverpool continued piling on the pressure early in the second half and threatened the equaliser when Trey Nyoni and Milos Kerkez combined to set up Isak, who sent his effort wide of the mark.
Nyoni’s evening ended with over ten minutes inside the resumption as the Reds summoned on Dominik Szoboszlai, who had just recovered from a hamstring injury.
Arsenal came into their own again after the disjointed spell and nearly doubled their lead when a first-time shot from the far side by Christos Tzolis forced Alisson into a wonderful diving save to his left.
The reigning champions were in control of their lead despite intense spell of pressure applied by the Reds in the closing minutes and confirmed victory to go three points clear at the top of the table, while the host’ winning run ended.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Liverpool:
1. Fenerbahce (A)
2. Crystal Palace (A)
3. Manchester United (H)
4. Club Brugge (A)
5. Everton (A)
Arsenal:
1. Slavia Praha (A)
2. Hull City (H)
3. Newcastle United (A)
4. Borussia Dortmund (H)
5. Manchester City (H)