Arsenal hold on for first league win at Liverpool since 2012 after Kai Havertz pounces early

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Kai Havertz’s first goal in ten appearances proved the difference but, really, the victory was rooted in Arsenal’s capacity to control and frustrate.When the full-time whistle went, the Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, was booked for sarcastically applauding the referee, Andy Madley. Everybody connected to the club raged at what they perceived as Arsenal’s dark arts.

The Kop teemed with intensity; indignation, too, when they felt that Arsenal’s players were too quick to tumble to ground. Havertz, a player who needed an easy tap-in, got one.Liverpool responded with more fire and they might have scored before the interval, Alexis Mac Allister blowing the big chance – a free header from Milos Kerkez’s cross in the 43th minute.

They stifled Liverpool and there remained the feeling that they could land something on the counter.When Jacquet slipped in the 68th minute, Arsenal went left to Tzolis and he almost teed up Ødegaard – with Alisson out of position. Which was risky by Madueke given he was on a booking for a foul on Barcola.Down went Mac Allister, undermining Liverpool’s claim to the moral high ground.