Not since 2012 – when current boss Mikel Arteta was commanding Arsenal’s midfield on the pitch – had the Gunners won on Liverpool’s patch. That 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 that underlines his side’s champion mentality.
“I love when there is something that we haven’t done for many years,” beamed the Spaniard, who praised his players for a defensive performance he called “remarkable”. If Arteta wanted to make a statement, he succeeded.
Despite being pinned back in a first half dominated by Liverpool pressure, the visitors restricted their hosts to zero accurate shots – the first time on record the Reds failed to land at least one attempt on target at home.
“In the end, that defensive line, the way we stick together, that togetherness we have, is undefeated,” midfielder Declan Rice reflected. “It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.” Nine games in, Arsenal’s title defence is going perfectly to plan.
Jamie Carragher was equally impressed by Arsenal’s resilience: “To come to Anfield and be put under that much pressure and not have a shot on target from the opposition, or Liverpool not get a big chance given the money they have spent on their attack, is outstanding.
“When you think about Arsenal winning titles, especially in ’89 and ’91 with Tony Adams and that famous back four, I think we’re getting close to putting this back four in that conversation.”
Gary Neville called it a “defensive masterclass”, likening Arsenal’s nous to that of a side styled on Jose Mourinho’s unique compactness.
The Gunners also won 18 fouls, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke all responsible for drawing three apiece – a tactic used to stifle Liverpool’s momentum. Ezri Konsa won all eight of the duels he contested.
Declan Rice sends a low cross across the box to the far post, where Kai Havertz delivers the finish to put Arsenal ahead against Liverpool.
Such application and exertion is what pleased Arteta most.
Under him, Arsenal have gone on to win 81 per cent of league games in which they have opened the scoring – the masters of preserving a lead.
He added: “Not only for the victory, but for the way we’ve done it, the spirit that we showed, the way we carried this shirt, this badge. It’s a commitment of every single player in every action to deliver those kinds of stats.
“And that’s the magical part about this game, that it can take you to really bad places, but four days later you have an incredible opportunity to do something historic, and we’ve done it.”
‘World-class Rice the best in Premier League’
Declan Rice won player of the match for a standout performance at Anfield
While Carragher was impressed with the Gunners’ collective effort on Super Sunday, he singled out Rice for particular commendation, 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 middle third in a way that prime Arteta would be proud of.
He was the defensive shield Arsenal needed when Liverpool were generating a headwind and made crucial interceptions in the pressure moments.
His 62 touches were the most of any Arsenal player. “He’s one of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had,” Carragher added.
“They’ve obviously had some great ones. He’s right up there with the best of them. He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate.”
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