Defensive 'masterclass' and elite Rice - how Arsenal ended Anfield torment — SkimNews
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- Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield through Kai Havertz’s first-half winner, ending a 14-year wait for a victory at Liverpool’s ground, last achieved in 2012 when Mikel Arteta commanded Arsenal’s midfield on the pitch.
- Liverpool failed to land a shot on target at home for the first time on record, while Arsenal won 18 fouls to stifle momentum and Ezri Konsa won all eight duels he contested.
- Mikel Arteta called the defensive performance “remarkable” and credited Arsenal’s line, togetherness and commitment; nine games into the title defence, they have won 81% of league games after opening the scoring under him.
- Declan Rice made crucial interceptions, supplied Havertz’s assist and logged 62 touches—the most of any Arsenal player—while Jamie Carragher called him the Premier League’s best midfielder “by a long way.”
- Jamie Carragher said Arsenal’s back four was close to joining the conversation around Tony Adams’ celebrated title-winning sides of 1989 and 1991.
- Gary Neville called Arsenal’s display a “defensive masterclass,” likening its compactness and tactical nous to a side in Jose Mourinho’s mould.
Why it matters: Arsenal now have a demonstrated template under Arteta: they have won 81% of league games after opening the scoring, and this 1-0 win showed how defensive control preserved Havertz’s lead. Liverpool, whose attack Carragher linked to heavy spending, ended at home without a shot on target.
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