Arsenal climbs to top of Premier League after 1-0 win at Anfield

The 2025-26 Premier League season is entering its decisive phase as title contenders separate from the chasing pack.

Arsenal secured the league lead on Sunday by defeating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, a result that snapped a 14-year winless streak at the home of the Reds.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the 16th minute to give Arsenal its eighth victory of the campaign. The forward finished a low cross from Declan Rice to become the all-time leading German scorer in the league with 46 goals. That total places him one goal ahead of former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The goal originated from an error by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who attempted a short pass during a goal kick. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard intercepted the ball, initiating a counterattack that led to the goal. Rice noted the team's defensive cohesion following the strike, stating that their togetherness is undefeated.

Liverpool dominated possession and attacked relentlessly, particularly in the final 25 minutes of the first half. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free kick, and Alexis Mac Allister headed over the bar while unmarked. Despite several penalty appeals, the hosts failed to register a single shot on target for the entire match. Their defeat ends a five-game winning streak.

The result moves Arsenal to first place with a three-point lead over Manchester City. The Gunners also hold a five-point advantage over Brighton, which sits in third place. Brighton is the only team to have defeated the defending champions this season. Manchester City has lost its last two league matches, falling to Aston Villa and Brighton in consecutive weeks.

The victory follows a shocking elimination by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the English League Cup on Tuesday. Arteta rotated his squad for that match, losing on penalties, before reinstating his regular starters for the Anfield visit. The manager described the unpredictability of the sport, noting that the next result can always change the dynamic.

Liverpool remains in fifth place, now nine points behind Arsenal. Dominik Szoboszlai acknowledged the fluctuating form of his team, remarking that some days feel like they are at the top while other days they are not close. The midweek result stands as the primary marker of Liverpool's current standing in the table.