Arsenal won at Anfield for the first time in 14 years after Kai Havertz’s strike sealed a gritty 1-0 victory – but Liverpool were denied what looked to be a clear penalty.
The result opens up a three-point gap on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League – and means Mikel Arteta’s side are nine clear of Liverpool.
In a battle of attrition, the only discernible difference was at the top end. Liverpool’s various waves of pressure almost always led to an effort on David Raya’s goal – 17 in total – but none actually forced the goalkeeper into a save.
Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free-kick and Alexis Mac Allister ballooned a header over the bar unmarked, but Andoni Iraola’s side failed to land a single shot on target at home for the first time on record. “It’s been a defensive masterclass from Arsenal,” said Gary Neville.
Liverpool have scored just four league goals in five Anfield outings this term.
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Liverpool come close to getting on the scoresheet as a free-kick sees Florian Wirtz smash the ball into the crossbar.
The blunted hosts might have had an opportunity from the penalty spot to change that, but Jurrien Timber’s less-than-subtle tug on Alexander Isak’s shirt in the first half was not spotted by the officials, prompting Jamie Carragher to tell VAR to “do its job”.
Havertz’s decider also meant he became the division’s top-scoring German with 46 goals in total, overtaking former Man City midfielder İlkay Gundogan, and ensured his side collected another statement win in defence of their title.
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Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Ian Wright discuss Liverpool’s penalty shout as Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt as the striker attempted to head the ball.
Arsenal in driving seat
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield:
“It was a defensive masterclass. Iraola will be upset, he’ll feel like his team have given everything, but the champions have turned up in a season of uncertainty, sabotaged by the Man City saga.
“They can only do the job they continue to do and that puts them right in the driving seat.”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
