Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after Kai Havertz scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The German striker tapped home Declan Rice’s low cross in the 16th minute. Liverpool had lost possession while trying to play the ball out of their defence.

The goal ended Havertz’s nine-game scoring drought. It also gave Arsenal their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years.

Arsenal hold off Liverpool pressure

Liverpool pushed for an equaliser before half-time. Florian Wirtz came close with a curling free kick that struck the crossbar.

Alexis Mac Allister also missed a good chance after heading over the bar. The hosts later appealed for a penalty when Jurrien Timber grabbed Alexander Isak’s shirt.

However, Arsenal defended well after the break and kept Liverpool from creating clear chances.

The hosts failed to register a shot on target as Mikel Arteta’s side recorded their sixth clean sheet in nine league games.

Arsenal move above Manchester City

The victory took Arsenal to 24 points from nine matches, three ahead of Manchester City.

City have 21 points after losing at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. It was their second straight league defeat after winning their opening seven matches.

Liverpool, meanwhile, dropped to fifth with 15 points. The defeat leaves them nine points behind Arsenal and marks their second league loss of the season.

Arsenal’s victory also came days after their surprise League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town.

Havertz said the win was special for the club, given their long wait for a league victory at Anfield.

“This means a lot to the whole football club, and it’s been 14 years; that is a ‌crazy ⁠stat, and I think that we are all happy that we gave it to them today,” Havertz said.

He added: “I think we all know what this stadium is about and what the fans are about. Liverpool have big players, and they can show their quality. We knew that this was coming for us and we all stuck together and defended together.”

Rice also praised Arsenal’s defensive effort against Liverpool’s pressure.

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