Havertz goal lifts Arsenal past Liverpool and into first place

Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute, finishing at the far post after Declan Rice sent a low cross through the penalty area. The victory ended Arsenal’s 14-year wait for a league win at Anfield and lifted the defending champions above Manchester City into first place, with eight wins this campaign.

Liverpool responded to the goal with sustained pressure. Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free kick, while Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a promising position before halftime. Liverpool also had penalty appeals turned away.

Arsenal threatened on the counter and nearly added a second, but Jurrien Timber inadvertently prevented Havertz from reaching Noni Madueke’s knockdown near the goal line. The visitors tightened their defending after the break, limiting Liverpool’s opportunities as the hosts chased an equalizer.

The result gives Arsenal its sixth clean sheet in nine games. The team is five points ahead of third-place Brighton, while Liverpool remains fifth, nine points behind Arsenal. Liverpool’s five-match winning run ended with the defeat.