Liverpool v Arsenal
Play By Play
Arsenal go three points clear at the top of the Premier League, after holding on for a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Liverpool. Kai Havertz's first-half strike proved the difference at Anfield, where the hosts' severe lack of a cutting edge was highlighted by the fact they failed to register a shot on target, despite a 1.15 xG to their opponents' 0.96. The decisive moment came in the 16th minute, when Declan Rice's inviting cross was turned in by an unmarked Havertz at the far post. Liverpool went close to equalising before half-time, as Florian Wirtz's free-kick hit the crossbar and Alexis Mac Allister headed a golden opportunity over from eight yards out. The Reds enjoyed plenty of the play after the break, but they couldn't turn their pressure into an equalising goal. It was Arsenal who went closest to finding the net in the second half, with Christos Tzolis's low drive drawing a fine save out of Alisson. The Gunners held out for their 300th Premier League away win. It's also their first victory at Anfield since September 2012, while ending their opponents' five-game winning streak in all competitions. Both sides are in Champions League action on Wednesday. Liverpool travel to Fenerbahce, while Arsenal are also away at Slavia Praha. Thanks for joining us today. Until next time, goodbye!
Van Dijk vents his frustration towards the referee after the final whistle, and goes into the book.
FULL-TIME: LIVERPOOL 0-1 ARSENAL
Isak's furious as the referee awards a free-kick when Gabriel goes to ground. However, the Arsenal defender's shoved to it by Mac Allister, who wastes his side an opportunity to press for the equaliser. The visitors are almost over the line...
Raya takes a little too long restarting play for the referee's liking. The Arsenal goalkeeper's shown a yellow card for time-wasting.
It just won't break for Liverpool. Ngumoha's lacking support and eventually puts the ball in the box. Barcola can't get a clear shot on goal, though, and Raya takes his time gathering the loose ball.
Ngumoha's shot deflects behind as we enter six minutes of stoppage time. Liverpool have a corner, and it's time to convert their pressure into the equalising goal.
As the clock continues to tick down, a Liverpool cross from the left deflects across the area. Munoz looks to keep the attack alive, but his header's gathered by Raya.
Arsenal turn to the bench again. Odegaard is given a breather and replaced by Merino for the dying moments of regulation time.
The Reds want a free-kick when Szoboszlai is bundled over under Gyokeres' challenge on the edge of the box. The referee's not interested, though, and quickly waves away the appeal.
Liverpool have the ball as we enter the last five minutes. They've been severely lacking a cutting edge, though. They're still yet to register a shot on target!
The Gunners also make a change at the head of their attack, as Gyokeres replaces Havertz, whose goal remains the difference at Anfield.
Arsenal now turn to the bench, with Hincapie replacing Tzolis in a conservative change.
Another attacking change from the Reds, with Araujo making way for Munoz.
Wirtz is also given a breather by the Reds, with Koumas replacing him for the final nine minutes.
Iraola twists in his search for a point. Kerkez makes way to be replaced by Tsimikas in the first of three changes.
Timber was involved in an altercation with Mac Allister, and receives a yellow card for his part.
Mac Allister, following that incident, is booked for his antics.
There's a flashpoint here, as Mac Allister's tap on the back of Odegaard's head sparks a brief melee. Mac Allister then goes to ground after squaring up to Madueke, but the referee isn't impressed by his excessive reaction.
Liverpool continue to search for an equaliser. It almost falls for Araujo in the box, with his shot blocked. Incredibly, the hosts are still yet to register an attempt on target in this game. That's got to change if they're going to get anything out of this.
Van Dijk tries to get a shot away for Liverpool from range, but it's charged down by the stubborn Arsenal defence. Can the hosts find a way through in these final 15 minutes?
GOOD SAVE, ALISSON! It's the best chance of the second half. The ball comes across the area and Tzolis shoots first-time. His low attempt is creeping into the bottom corner, until Alisson gets down well to push it away.
Lewis-Skelly crashes into Isak in the centre of the field, and the Arsenal substitute goes into the book.
We're into the final 20 minutes at Anfield. Arsenal still lead by a goal to nil, but can they hold on for victory? There's still time for Liverpool to save themselves.
Arsenal get in behind through Tzolis. He looks to cut the ball back for Odegaard, but Jacquet just about manages to get there first and divert it behind.
