Kai Havertz sent Arsenal to the top of the Premier League on Sunday, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the highlight fixture of the round. The Germany international struck in the 16th minute, converting from close range after a pass from Declan Rice. It was the 27-year-old's third goal of the season.
Arsenal now has 24 points and moved ahead of defending champion Manchester City at the summit. City had lost 0-1 at home to third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, coached by Fabian Hürzeler, on Saturday. Liverpool, on 15 points and sitting fifth, has lost contact with the top for the time being, with Florian Wirtz in its ranks.
Arsenal looked markedly different from the side that suffered an embarrassing League Cup exit away to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. Once again Mikel Arteta's team demonstrated its efficiency. Liverpool, by contrast, missed several chances to equalise late in the first half. Wirtz hit the crossbar from a free kick in the 39th minute, and Alexis Mac Allister headed over the bar from an unmarked position four minutes later.
Liverpool could not carry its attacking power into the second half, while Arsenal controlled the match. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk cleared the ball just in front of the goal line ahead of Havertz in the 72nd minute, and Christos Tzolis, the former Düsseldorf player, was denied by a superb reaction save from goalkeeper Alisson.
Arsenal stayed flawless in defence and celebrated not only a fourth consecutive Premier League win but also its first league victory at Anfield since September 2012.
Sources: FAZ.