Not since 2012 – when current boss Mikel Arteta commanded Arsenal’s midfield on the pitch – have the Gunners won at Liverpool’s home ground. This curse has finally been broken.
Winning at Anfield is a rarity, especially for Arsenal. But Arteta’s side were ruthless at both ends of the pitch, a tactical triumph for the boss and one which underlines his side’s championship mentality.
“I like it when there is something we haven’t done for many years,” beamed the Spaniard, who congratulated his players for a defensive performance he described as “remarkable”. If Arteta wanted to make a statement, he succeeded.
Despite being pegged back in a first half dominated by Liverpool pressure, the visitors limited their hosts to zero accurate shots – the first time on record the Reds have failed to score at least one attempt on target at home.
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WATCH FOR FREE: Highlights from the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal.
“At the end of the day, this defensive line, the way we stay together, this unity that we have, is undefeated,” midfielder Declan Rice said. “It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.” After nine games, Arsenal’s title defense is going perfectly as planned.
Jamie Carragher was also impressed by Arsenal’s resilience: “To come to Anfield and be under so much pressure and not have a shot on target from the opposition, or Liverpool not have a great chance given the money they have spent on their attack, is exceptional.
“When you think about the titles Arsenal won, particularly in 1989 and 1991 with Tony Adams and that famous back four, I think we are about to bring that back four back into this conversation.”
Gary Neville called it a “defensive masterclass”, likening Arsenal’s acumen to that of a team inspired by Jose Mourinho’s unique compactness.
The Gunners also won 18 fouls, with Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke all responsible for three draws each – a tactic used to stifle Liverpool’s momentum. Ezri Konsa won all eight duels in which he participated.
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Declan Rice sends a low cross across the box to the far post, where Kai Havertz delivers the finish to give Arsenal the lead against Liverpool.
Such application and effort is what pleased Arteta the most.
Under his leadership, Arsenal won 81% of league matches in which he opened the scoring – the master of maintaining leads.
He added: “Not just for the victory, but for the way we did it, the spirit we showed, the way we wore that jersey, that badge. It’s a commitment from every player in every action to provide those kinds of statistics.
“And that’s what’s magical about this game, is it can take you to some really bad places, but four days later you have an incredible opportunity to do something historic, and we did it.”
“World-class Rice is the best in the Premier League”
Declan Rice was voted player of the match for his outstanding performance at Anfield
Although Carragher was impressed by the Gunners’ collective effort on Great Sundayhe singled out Rice for particular praise, calling him a “world-class” talent.
The midfielder delivered one of his most complete performances of the campaign so far, providing the assist for Kai Havertz’s winner and anchoring the central third in a way that prime Arteta would be proud of.
He was the defensive shield Arsenal needed when Liverpool generated a headwind and made crucial interceptions in moments of pressure.
His 62 touches were the most of any Arsenal player. “He’s one of the best midfielders Arsenal have ever had,” added Carragher.
“They’ve obviously had some very good ones. He’s among the best of them. He’s by far the best midfielder in the Premier League. It’s not even a debate.”
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