Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield was more than another three points for Mikel Arteta’s side - it ended a 14-year wait for a Premier League win at the ground and strengthened their position at the top of the table.
Coming just days after a humiliating League Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town, Arsenal needed a response.
They delivered one against a Liverpool side capable of troubling almost any defence, although the afternoon was not without controversy.
From Declan Rice’s outstanding performance to the questions surrounding Liverpool’s attack, Sports News Blitz writer Almonzer Hussain looks at five things the game revealed.
1. Havertz delivers when Arsenal need him most
Arsenal began positively, pressing Liverpool and looking to establish themselves early in the contest.
Their breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute after Liverpool surrendered possession while attempting to play out from the back.
Declan Rice made an excellent overlapping run before delivering a precise low cross for Kai Havertz to finish at the far post.
It was an important moment for a player whose performances continue to divide opinion.
Havertz has demonstrated his ability to contribute in major fixtures, and his movement into the right position was crucial here.
However, questions remain over his consistency and whether he can provide the reliable finishing Arsenal need across an entire season.
One decisive goal should not erase those concerns, just as a difficult run of performances should not diminish his contribution at Anfield.
For Arsenal, the challenge is turning moments like this into something more consistent.
2. Declan Rice is setting the standard in midfield
If Havertz provided the decisive finish, Rice was central to making it possible.
His energy, anticipation and quality on the ball were evident throughout the match.
The timing of his run and the accuracy of his assist demonstrated an attacking dimension that sometimes receives less attention than his defensive work.
Rice offers Arsenal an exceptional combination of physical presence, defensive awareness, passing ability and leadership.
He can break up opposition attacks, cover large areas of the pitch and contribute creatively in advanced positions.
Few midfielders in the Premier League combine those qualities as effectively.
There is a strong argument that Rice is currently the league’s most complete midfielder.
His performance at Anfield was another reminder of how much Arsenal depend on him, both in protecting their defence and helping create opportunities at the other end.
3. Arsenal’s defensive organisation is reaching an extraordinary level
Liverpool responded to falling behind by applying sustained pressure, with Bradley Barcola’s pace particularly threatening.
Yet despite registering 17 shots, the home side failed to record a single effort on target.
That statistic reflects Liverpool’s lack of precision, but it also highlights Arsenal’s defensive discipline.
Arteta has created a system in which every player understands their responsibilities.
The positioning, communication and willingness to cover for team-mates make Arsenal extremely difficult to break down.
What makes this even more impressive is that William Saliba, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading centre-backs, was absent from the starting line-up.
Arsenal’s defensive strength does not appear to depend on one individual. The structure remains effective even when important players are unavailable.
From David Raya and the back four to the protection provided by Rice and his midfield team-mates, the entire team contributes.
It is too early to place this defence alongside the greatest in Premier League history - but if Arsenal sustain these standards over several seasons, that comparison may eventually become justified.
Keeping Liverpool scoreless at Anfield, with the home crowd providing its usual intensity, was a significant achievement.
4. The penalty controversy raises questions about VAR and player reactions
The most contentious moment came when Jurriën Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt as the Liverpool striker attempted to reach a cross.
Liverpool had a strong case for a penalty.
While referees must make decisions in real time, incidents involving contact that is difficult to judge from the original angle are precisely where VAR should provide assistance.
The failure to award a penalty deserves scrutiny, particularly because such decisions can change the outcome of closely contested matches.
Later, tensions increased during a confrontation involving Alexis Mac Allister, Timber and Noni Madueke.
Mac Allister’s reaction to Madueke moving towards him also raised a familiar question: how should officials distinguish genuine dangerous contact from exaggerated reactions intended to influence decisions?
Players must be protected from violent conduct, but officials also need to judge the actual contact rather than simply the reaction that follows.
The referee’s overall performance should not be reduced to one disputed decision.
Nevertheless, the incidents showed how much responsibility now rests with VAR to help officials reach consistent outcomes.
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5. Arsenal have made a statement, but both teams still have questions to answer
Winning at Anfield is difficult under any circumstances. Doing so after a disappointing cup exit makes Arsenal’s response even more impressive.
The result leaves Arteta’s side three points clear at the top of the Premier League and nine ahead of Liverpool.
It is still early in the season, and no title is decided in November.
However, these are the types of victories that can become particularly significant when the campaign reaches its final stages.
Arsenal have demonstrated that they can win difficult matches through organisation, resilience and decisive moments.
Their defence and midfield continue to provide an outstanding foundation, although their attacking efficiency remains an area for improvement.
The January transfer window could offer an opportunity to address that imbalance.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must find greater consistency from an attack containing considerable individual talent.
Their pressure and possession showed they could trouble Arsenal, but failing to test Raya despite creating opportunities underlined the need for greater composure in front of goal.
For all Liverpool’s attacking investment, the quality of their individual players has not always translated into an effective collective performance.
Defending champions Arsenal left Anfield with a historic victory and further evidence that they are serious contenders at the top of the table.
But perhaps the most encouraging aspect for Arteta is that his team are winning important matches while still having obvious areas in which they can improve.
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