From Fleetwood embarrassment to 'magical' Anfield win 14 years in making

That is what manager Mikel Arteta said before Arsenal secured their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, beating Liverpool thanks to Kai Havertz first-half goal.

Arteta was Arsenal captain the last time the Gunners won at Liverpool - 2-0 in 2012 - and they have had 16 unsuccessful trips in all competitions until Sunday's victory.

The Spaniard's side, as they so often do, produced a defensive masterclass to keep out wave after wave of Liverpool attack to deliver a rare and historic win.

Arsenal travelled to Anfield after an embarrassing loss to League Two Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Arteta said he thought that humbling loss in Lancashire could spur his side on to a historic win at Liverpool .

"Extremely proud. It's been 14 years, that's a long time," Arteta said after the game.

"I'm sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today. Not only for the victory but for the way we've done it, the spirit we've shown.

"Especially considering what happened four days ago when you lose and go out of the cup against a team you are supposed to beat. That's the magical part of this game, it can take you to really bad places but four days later you have the opportunity to do something really historic and we've done it.

"Overall, to win against a team that is producing what they are doing, and also in the emotional state after Fleetwood, that's what a winning team should do."

Before the match, centre-back Gabriel said that Arsenal were expecting a "big battle" and "big chaos" against Liverpool .

That prediction was correct and, after going ahead, Arsenal were pinned back before the break.

Although the second half was a bit calmer, they still defended resolutely and did not allow Liverpool a shot on target.

The Gunners, who have kept six clean sheets this season, are now three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.

Arsenal 's 24 points is the most by any team after nine games of a season since the Gunners themselves in 2022-23.

And only in the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons have Arsenal had more at this stage of a Premier League season.

"It means a lot to our football club," match winner Havertz said after the win.

"It's been 13 games [in the Premier League without a win here], its a crazy stat and it's what the fans deserve. We are happy we gave them that."

The win was also the first time that Arsenal had kept a clean sheet at Anfield in the Premier League since that victory in 2012.

"That is the Anfield way, that is what this Liverpool team can do, this is what this stadium does to you," Declan Rice - who assisted Havertz's goal - added. "It just creates waves and waves of attack.

"We've not won here in 14 years. It was relentless attacks but in the end that way we stuck together, that togetherness we have is undefeated. It's nothing like I've ever seen before."

Rice has been one of Arsenal 's standout players this season and has five assists in the league already

Arsenal are now two points better off after nine games of this campaoign than last season, when they won the title.

The Gunners attack is not yet flowing and they have scored just 14 league goals in nine games

Arteta has been restricted with his options in the forward line with Bukayo Saka out injured, 16-year-old Max Dowman suspended after his red card at Fleetwood, Christos Tzolis just back from a hamstring injury, and Viktor Gyokeres and Havertz both struggling for form.

The back four only conceded 27 goals last season and, on this performance, they could once again be the difference for the Gunners.

"I'm extremely proud; this is something you want to accomplish." Arteta said after being asked what the win against Liverpool means to him.

"That's the challenge and mission you want to accomplish. I love it when it's something we have not done for many years.

"It was the same with Chelsea away and Manchester United away. To be able to beat all those, that's the purpose and motivation and why we do what we do."

Manchester City are second in the table but are waiting to find out what happens, pending their appeal, following their charge for breaching the Premier League financial rules .

And with the rest of the big-name sides in the league in a period of transition, Arsenal could find themselves with a healthy lead at the top of the table of the table if things carry on as they are.

Rice rewarded, Wirtz must do more - Liverpool and Arsenal player ratings

Premier League: Watch reaction as Arsenal go top with rare win at Liverpool