Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal was settled by a first-half goal from Kai Havertz at Anfield on Sunday. Declan Rice provided the assist, and Mikel Arteta’s side then managed the game calmly to collect three points that take them to the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool had plenty of the ball and hit the woodwork, but never found a way past a well-organised Arsenal defence.
The defeat ended a strong run for Liverpool, who arrived on the back of wins over Brighton, Villarreal and Brentford. For Arsenal it was the perfect response to their surprise Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood Town in midweek.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Key Facts
- Result: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal, Premier League, Anfield, Sunday 1 November 2026
- Goal: Kai Havertz, first half
- Assist: Declan Rice
- Red cards: None
- Arsenal: 24 points from nine games, top of the table
- Liverpool: 15 points from nine games, nine behind the leaders
How Havertz Won It at Anfield
The breakthrough came around the quarter-hour mark. Arsenal worked the ball forward quickly, and Rice delivered for Havertz, who finished to silence the home crowd. It was a goal built on the kind of sharp, direct move Arteta has asked for all season, and it gave the visitors something to protect for more than an hour.
Rice’s assist underlined once again how important the England midfielder is to this Arsenal team. He has become a creator as well as a ball winner, and his delivery from wide and central areas continues to produce chances.
Liverpool’s missed chances
Liverpool responded well and had the better of possession for long spells, especially in the first half. Florian Wirtz came closest with a free kick that struck the frame of the goal, and Alexis Mac Allister headed a good chance wide. The hosts won a series of corners and pushed hard before the break, but the final ball and the finishing were missing, and Arsenal went in at half-time still in front.
Arsenal control the second half
After the interval the game settled into a pattern. Liverpool kept the ball, while Arsenal stayed compact and looked comfortable without it. The visitors slowed the tempo whenever they could and gave little away in dangerous areas, and the home side’s pressure faded as the clock ran down. There were no red cards, and Arsenal saw the game out without too many alarms.
What the Result Means for the Premier League Title Race
Before kick-off Manchester City and Arsenal were level on 21 points, with City ahead on goal difference after playing a game more. City lost 1-0 at home to Brighton on Saturday, which opened the door, and Arsenal walked through it. They now have 24 points from nine matches, three clear of City.
Brighton sit on 19 points, Chelsea on 16 after their win over Manchester United, and Liverpool are fifth on 15. It is still early, but a nine-point gap between Arsenal and Liverpool is already significant for a side with title ambitions.
You can check the full standings on the official Premier League table.
Talking points
- Arsenal’s defence: Keeping a clean sheet at Anfield is never easy, and Arsenal limited Liverpool to half-chances for most of the afternoon, which is the kind of result that wins titles.
- Liverpool’s finishing: Plenty of corners and possession, but not enough quality in the final third. Hitting the woodwork and missing a free header will frustrate the home side.
- Bounce-back: Arsenal’s reaction to the Fleetwood cup defeat was exactly what Arteta wanted to see.
What Comes Next
Both clubs are straight back into Champions League action this week. Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce on Wednesday, while Arsenal visit Slavia Prague the same night. With the November international break around the corner, the next Premier League round will be the last before a pause.
If you followed our Liverpool vs Arsenal prediction, you will know this fixture was always likely to be tight. Catch up on the rest of the weekend with our report on Man City 0-1 Brighton and Chelsea 2-0 Man United, and see the latest tips on our predictions page.
FAQ
Who scored in Liverpool vs Arsenal?
Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the first half, with Declan Rice providing the assist.
Are Arsenal top of the Premier League?
Yes. The win took Arsenal to 24 points from nine games, three points ahead of Manchester City.
Where are Liverpool in the table after losing to Arsenal?
Liverpool are fifth on 15 points, nine behind Arsenal after nine matches.
Who do Liverpool and Arsenal play next?
Liverpool visit Fenerbahce and Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday 4 November.
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