Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Reds Frustrated as Arteta’s Gunners Secure First Victory at Anfield

Anfield Index Post-Match Content

Nov 01, 2026

Liverpool frustrated as Havertz ends Arsenal’s Anfield wait

Liverpool’s five-game winning run ended with a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Anfield, where Kai Havertz’s goal proved decisive.

Andoni Iraola’s side struck the crossbar and squandered an opportunity before half-time, but could not turn sustained pressure into an equaliser.

Arsenal punished a loose Alisson pass in the 16th minute. Martin Odegaard anticipated the ball, Noni Madueke released Declan Rice on the overlap and his low cross found Havertz unmarked at the far post.

Liverpool responded through Bradley Barcola’s direct running and Milos Kerkez’s deliveries. Alexander Isak narrowly failed to reach one cross before shooting wide during another attack.

Florian Wirtz came closest in the 39th minute, curling a free-kick beyond David Raya from a difficult angle, only for the ball to strike the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister arrived unmarked to meet Kerkez’s cross but headed over from eight yards.

Those missed opportunities proved costly. Liverpool continued pushing after the interval, yet Arsenal blocked shots, cleared deliveries and restricted clean openings. Isak fired high from a tight angle, while Alisson kept Liverpool within reach by saving from Christos Tzolis.

Iraola introduced Dominik Szoboszlai and Rio Ngumoha before making further attacking changes late on. The fresh legs brought urgency without the required breakthrough.

FotMob’s commentary recorded Liverpool without a shot on target as late as the 86th minute, underlining the gap between pressure and danger.

The defeat leaves Liverpool nine points behind Arsenal, who moved top and secured their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012.

For Liverpool, this was a painful missed opportunity. Their response showed energy and intent, but against opponents prepared to defend their advantage, the finishing and final pass fell short. Recent progress remains, although this result demonstrated how much improvement is still required.