“Today has to be the day,” manager Mikel Arteta declared before Arsenal achieved their first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years, overcoming Liverpool with a first-half goal from Kai Havertz.

Arteta captained the Gunners during their last win at Liverpool, a 2-0 success in 2012, preceding 16 fruitless visits across all competitions until this historic triumph on Sunday.

Arsenal’s defensive tactics proved pivotal, as they skillfully repelled multiple Liverpool incursions to secure a rare win. The team entered the match following a disheartening defeat to League Two Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup, and Arteta believed that loss could inspire a strong comeback against Liverpool.

“Extremely proud. It’s been 14 years, that’s a long time,” Arteta reflected after the match.

“I’m sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today. Not just 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.”

Arteta noted that defeating a team of Liverpool’s caliber, especially in light of the team’s emotional state after the Fleetwood defeat, exemplified the character needed to be champions.

Prior to the match, defender Gabriel emphasized that Arsenal anticipated a “big battle” against Liverpool, a prediction that ring true as Arsenal took the lead but found themselves on the back foot for much of the first half.

While the second half offered a calmer pace, Arsenal held firm, restricting Liverpool to no shots on target. The Gunners, who have secured six clean sheets this season, now hold a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table after nine matches.

‘The togetherness we have is undefeated’

With 24 points accrued, Arsenal’s start to the season marks their best points total after nine games since the 2022-23 season, with only the 2004-05 and 2007-08 seasons showing better returns at this stage.

Havertz, who scored the decisive goal, expressed the significance of the victory, saying, “It’s been 13 games [without a win here], it’s a crazy stat and it’s what the fans deserve. We are happy we gave them that.” The win also marked Arsenal’s first clean sheet at Anfield in the Premier League since their last victory in 2012.

Declan Rice, who assisted the goal, observed, “That is the Anfield way, that is what this Liverpool team can do, this is what this stadium does to you,” referring to the constant pressure from Liverpool. “It just creates waves and waves of attack. We’ve not won here in 14 years. It was relentless attacks, but in the end, the togetherness we have is undefeated. It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before.”

Rice has shone this season, leading the league with five assists so far.

Arsenal Set for Title Challenge

Following this victory, Arsenal finds themselves two points ahead of their position at the same point last season when they claimed the title. Although their attack has yet to fully click, with only 14 goals in nine games, their defensive prowess remains exceptional.

Arteta faces challenges with limited attacking options due to injuries to Bukayo Saka, suspension of 16-year-old Max Dowman, and the return from injury of Christos Tzolis, along with form struggles from Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.

Nonetheless, the Arsenal defense has excelled, conceding just 27 goals last season. “I’m extremely proud; this is something you want to accomplish,” Arteta remarked about the win against Liverpool. “That’s the challenge you want to face. I love it when it’s something we haven’t achieved for many years.”

Manchester City currently sits in second place, waiting for the outcome of their appeal regarding a charge for breaching Premier League financial rules. With several prominent teams in transition, Arsenal could solidify their position at the top of the league table if they continue their current form.