Kai Havertz scored to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead over Liverpool in a hectic first half at Anfield, putting the Gunners on track for their first victory at the stadium since 2012.
Arsenal entered the match on Merseyside knowing that even a draw would move them to the top of the Premier League standings after Manchester City suffered a 1-0 loss against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
Havertz Capitalizes on Team Move
The visiting side controlled the early stages and broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. Martin Odegaard pressed high to win possession, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to spread the play wide to Noni Madueke on the right flank. Madueke then set up an overlapping run from Declan Rice, who sent a sharp low cross into the box for Havertz to finish at the far post.
Following the opener, Liverpool mounted strong pressure during a chaotic remainder of the half. Alexander Isak dragged a shot just wide, while Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free-kick. Liverpool had another clear opportunity when Alexis Mac Allister was left unmarked, but he sent a header over the bar from a Milos Kerkez cross. The missed chance allowed Arsenal to preserve their one-goal advantage as they headed into the halftime break.
