“Today must be the big day.”
That’s what manager Mikel Arteta said before Arsenal secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years, beating Liverpool thanks to Kai Havertz’s first-half goal.
Arteta captained Arsenal the last time the Gunners won at Liverpool – 2-0 in 2012 – and they had 16 unsuccessful trips in all competitions until Sunday’s victory.
The Spanish side, as they so often do, produced a defensive masterclass to repel successive waves of Liverpool attacks and claim a rare and historic victory.
Arsenal traveled to Anfield after an embarrassing defeat to League Two Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Arteta said he believes a humiliating defeat in Lancashire could spur his team on to a historic win at Liverpool.
“Extremely proud. It’s been 14 years, that’s a long time,” Arteta said after the match.
“I’m sure we made everyone attached to the club extremely proud today. Not only for the victory but for the way we did it, the spirit we showed.
“Especially considering what happened four days ago when you lose and go out of the cup against a team you’re supposed to beat. That’s the magic part of this game, it can take you to some really bad places, but four days later you have the opportunity to do something truly historic and we did it.
“Overall, winning against a team that produces what they do, and also in the emotional state after Fleetwood, is what a winning team should do.”
Before the match, centre-back Gabriel said Arsenal were expecting a “big battle” and “big chaos” against Liverpool.
That prediction was correct and, after taking the lead, Arsenal were pegged back before the break.
Although the second half was a little calmer, they still defended resolutely and did not allow Liverpool to have a shot on target.
The Gunners, who have kept six clean sheets this season, are now three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.
Gn sports
