Havertz ends Arsenal’s Anfield wait as champions go three points clear

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Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 1–0 win at Liverpool on Sunday, as Kai Havertz’s early goal ended their 14-year wait for a league victory at Anfield.

Havertz struck in the 16th minute after Arsenal recovered possession while Liverpool tried to build from a goal-kick. Noni Madueke found Declan Rice overlapping on the right, and Rice’s low cross gave Havertz a close-range finish at the far post.

Liverpool responded before half-time. Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free-kick and Alexis Mac Allister headed over from Milos Kerkez’s delivery, but neither opportunity brought an equaliser.

Arsenal remained dangerous on the break after the interval. Alisson made an important save from Christos Tzolis to keep the hosts within one goal, while Liverpool found it difficult to turn their pressure into a clear opening.

Ronald Araujo had a close-range attempt blocked after Virgil van Dijk headed the ball into a threatening area. Liverpool made attacking changes, but Arsenal protected the advantage and completed a significant away victory in their title defence.

The result took Mikel Arteta’s side to 24 points from nine matches, three ahead of Manchester City. Liverpool remained fifth and nine points behind the leaders after their second league defeat of the season.

Trey Nyoni made his first Premier League start for Liverpool as Andoni Iraola changed seven players from the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea. The returning Victor Munoz and Dominik Szoboszlai were among the substitutes used as Liverpool sought a response.

Later in Italy, Juventus beat Napoli 2–0 at the Allianz Stadium, with second-half goals from Alajbegovic and substitute Jeremie Boga securing victory on the club’s 129th anniversary.

Juan Cabal had hit a post before the break, but the match remained goalless until the 70th minute. Edon Zhegrova helped create the opening for Alajbegovic, who cut inside and beat Alex Meret with a powerful shot.

Napoli were reduced to ten men five minutes later when Marianucci received a second yellow card for a foul on Cabal. Boga then added the second goal in the 87th minute, cutting in from the left and curling his finish into the far corner.