“This is the day.”
Arteta declared that the day had to arrive, and Arsenal delivered – a first league victory at Anfield in 14 years, thanks to Kai Havertz’s opening goal.
He captained the Gunners in their last Anfield win, a 2‑0 triumph in 2012, and until Sunday the club had suffered 16 fruitless trips across all competitions.
The Spanish boss’s side executed a defensive masterclass, repelling wave after wave of Liverpool’s assault to secure a rare, historic triumph.
Arsenal arrived at Anfield reeling from a humiliating 2‑1 defeat to League Two side Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup, a loss Arteta hoped would ignite a historic comeback.
‘Extremely proud. Fourteen years is a long stretch,’ Arteta said after the final whistle.
‘I think we’ve made every supporter proud, not just with the win but with the spirit we displayed.’
‘Four days after that embarrassing cup exit, we found the magic to rewrite history,’ he added.
‘Beating a side firing like Liverpool, especially after the Fleetwood setback, is exactly how a winning team should respond.’
Before kickoff centre‑back Gabriel warned of a “big battle” and “massive chaos” awaiting the Gunners at Liverpool.
The forecast proved right; after taking the lead, Arsenal endured pressure and were forced onto the back foot before halftime. For my money, Arteta’s tactical discipline is the season’s biggest surprise.
Although the second half calmed slightly, yet the defence stayed resolute, denying Liverpool any shot on target.
Having kept six clean sheets this campaign, Arsenal now sit three points clear atop the table after nine games.
I’ll advise my squad to dive in the future – Iraola
Arsenal’s 24 points represent the highest tally after nine games since their own 2022‑23 campaign.
Only the 2004‑05 and 2007‑08 sides have amassed more points at this stage of a Premier League season.
Match‑winner Havertz said, ‘It means a lot to our club.’
‘Thirteen league games without a win here is a crazy stat, and the fans deserved this,’ he added.
It also marked the first Premier League clean sheet for Arsenal at Anfield since the 2012 victory.
Declan Rice, who set up Havertz, noted, ‘That’s the Anfield effect – endless waves of attack.’
‘Fourteen years without a win here, relentless pressure, yet our unity held firm – I’ve never seen anything like it,’ Rice continued.
Rice has already contributed five league assists this season, making him a standout performer.
Arsenal sit two points ahead of last season’s title‑winning campaign after nine fixtures.
The Gunners’ attack still lacks fluidity, having netted just 14 league goals in nine matches.
Arteta’s forward options are thin: Saka is sidelined, 16‑year‑old Max Dowman suspended after his Fleetwood red, Tzolis returning from a hamstring, and both Gyokeres and Havertz struggling for form.
Nevertheless, the defence remains an elite unit.
The back four conceded only 27 goals last season and could once again be the decisive factor.
‘I’m extremely proud; this is the kind of achievement you chase,’ Arteta said when asked what the Liverpool win means to him.
‘That challenge fuels us. I love achieving something that hasn’t happened in years.’
‘It mirrors our victories at Chelsea and Manchester United away – that purpose drives us.’
Manchester City sit second but await the outcome of their appeal over alleged financial rule breaches.
With other big clubs in transition, Arsenal could enjoy a healthy lead at the top if the current trend persists.