Kai Havertz’s opening strike sealed Arsenal‘s first Anfield victory since 2012.
We’ve graded every Liverpool and Arsenal performer – see the scores beneath.
Premier League: Arsenal leap to the summit after a scarce win at Liverpool
Alisson: His mis‑placed pass set up Havertz’s opener. He later denied Christos Tzolis with a fine stop, yet the earlier lapse cost them. 4
Ronald Araujo: Marked his 12th straight start, fought hard, yet Tzolis gave him a stern challenge on the left. 6
Jeremy Jacquet: Showed moments of doubt but overall performed solidly, highlighted by a brilliant tackle after a second‑half slip. 6
Virgil van Dijk: Consistently steady, yet he’ll rue the ease with which Liverpool surrendered the opening. 6
Milos Kerkez: Struggled early, but his fine cross almost found Alexis Mac Allister’s head. 5
Trey Nyoni: Iraola’s bold debut for the 19‑year‑old paid off; nerves faded as he settled. 6
Alexis Mac Allister: Active early, yet he’ll rue missing the chance from Kerkez’s cross. 6
Bradley Barcola: Operated on his favored left side, troubled Arsenal, but his first league goal still eludes him. 7
Florian Wirtz: Smacked a free‑kick onto the bar, yet his hefty price demands greater impact in marquee matches. 6
Cody Gakpo: Started brightly, but Calafiori neutralised him; a potential penalty was denied by Andy Madley. 5
Alexander Isak: Created chances yet failed to score, missing a penalty after Timber tugged his shirt. 5
Subs:
Szoboszlai (on 59, Nyoni): Returned from injury layoff. 6
Ngumoha (on 67, Gakpo): Had limited touches. 5
Munoz (on 82, Araujo): Used speed to try influencing play.
Koumas (on 82, Wirtz): Introduced to inject vigor.
Tsimikas (on 82, Kerkez): Struggled to make an impact on the left.
Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Gravenberch.
David Raya: Cleared a danger pass early, delivering his trademark confidence. 7
Jurrien Timber: Engaged Barcola fiercely, handled numerous right‑flank assaults, and escaped a penalty after Isak’s shirt was tugged. 7
Ezri Konsa: Persisted in strong form, anchoring Arsenal’s centre‑back quartet. 8
Gabriel Magalhaes: Managed Isak’s danger and marshalled the defence. 8
Riccardo Calafiori: Restricted offensively yet delivered a sturdy left‑back display. 8
Declan Rice: His assist sparked Havertz’s winner and he dominated the midfield; for my money, he was Arsenal’s standout. 8
Bruno Guimaraes: Ran the field, contributed to the goal build‑up, then left after 60 minutes. 6
Martin Odegaard: Recovered possession that launched the opening strike. 6
Noni Madueke: Key to the opener after a quick recovery, but fatigue set in later. 6
Christos Tzolis: Returned from injury, threatened from the left and compelled Alisson to make a superb save. 6
Kai Havertz: Delivered the solitary goal, a needed boost after a rough spell, and linked the attack well. 7
Myles Lewis‑Skelly (on 62, Guimaraes): Entered to steady Arsenal while Liverpool chased an equaliser. 7
Piero Hincapie (on 84, Tzolis): Subbed in to help close out the victory. 6
Viktor Gyokeres (on 84, Havertz): Brought on to menace the space behind defenders. 6
Merino (on 88, Odegaard): Bolstered defence in the final phase.
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Eze, Zubimendi.