Gatunek: Football TAGS: Arsenal, Premier League, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United
Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the first half to give Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, ending a 14-year winless streak at the stadium as reported by 101 Great Goals. The Gunners had not secured a victory at Anfield since 2012, when Arsene Wenger managed the team and current boss Mikel Arteta played in the starting lineup.
Match-Winning Goal and First-Half Action
Arsenal started strongly on Merseyside, aiming to end their long wait for an Anfield victory and move to the top of the Premier League table following Manchester City’s defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion. The breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute when Martin Odegaard pressed high to win back possession, and Bruno Guimaraes sprayed a pass to the right flank for Noni Madueke. Madueke picked out the overlapping Declan Rice, who delivered a low cross for Havertz to turn home at the far post and register his fifth Premier League assist of the season.
Following the opening goal, Liverpool mounted intense pressure. Alexander Isak had a penalty appeal ignored after his shirt was tugged by Jurrien Timber, though Isak stayed on his feet despite the action affecting his attempt to reach a Bradley Barcola cross. Liverpool missed further opportunities before the break, with Milos Kerkez volleying wide from close range, Isak drilling an effort past David Raya’s near post, and Florian Wirtz hitting the crossbar from a free-kick. Liverpool’s best chance fell to Alexis Mac Allister, who headed over unmarked from a Kerkez cross.
Defensive Resilience and Second-Half Control
Arsenal also created chances to extend their lead, as Havertz stretched to reach a Guimaraes cross, and Timber inadvertently blocked Madueke from converting a deep delivery by Christos Tzolis. Reaching half-time with their lead intact proved crucial as Liverpool’s attacking threat diminished in the second period.
After the interval, Arsenal demonstrated their ability to control the tempo and nullify the hosts, who finished the match without a single shot on target. Alisson made a strong save to deny Tzolis from curling in a second goal for the visitors, but the extra cushion proved unnecessary as Arsenal comfortably closed out the historic result to leave Liverpool nine points behind the defending champions.
