Liverpool's unbeaten home record against Arsenal in the Premier League is over after a 1-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. Kai Havertz's 16th-minute goal proved decisive, handing the Gunners their first league win at the ground since 2012 and inflicting a second loss on manager Andoni Iraola. This result, a 1-0 loss on Sunday 1 November, leaves the team with a recent form of three wins, one draw, and one loss from their last five league outings.
The result leaves Liverpool fifth in the Premier League with 15 points from eight games, a record of four wins, three draws, and one loss, now six points behind leaders Manchester City. The Reds had won three of their last five league matches, but could not find a way past a disciplined Arsenal defence. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight this season for a goal difference of plus three.
Havertz strike and Nyoni's early impact
Arsenal's winner came from a swift move, with Declan Rice finding Havertz who finished clinically. The match had been ignited just 50 seconds earlier when Liverpool teenager Trey Nyoni, making his full Premier League debut, was involved in a strong challenge on Martin Odegaard.
Iraola made seven changes from the midweek Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, with Dominik Szoboszlai and new signing Victor Munoz returning from injury to take places on the bench. The manager's tactical adjustments, however, could not unlock the visitors' resolve.
Liverpool's frustration in front of goal
Liverpool created the clearer chances to equalise. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a free-kick, while Alexander Isak fired over from a tight angle after being played in by Milos Kerkez. Ronald Araujo also saw a shot blocked in a crowded penalty area. Top scorer Isak, who has six goals in seven appearances this season, was also involved in a penalty appeal after a tangle with Jurrien Timber, but VAR did not intervene.
At the other end, Alisson Becker was called into action to deny Rice, while a Bruno Guimaraes effort curled just wide.
Substitute Munoz headed a late Kostas Tsimikas cross towards goal, but it lacked the power to trouble David Raya. The final whistle confirmed a first home league defeat of the campaign for Iraola's side.
The immediate focus shifts to a trip to face Crystal Palace on Sunday 8 November. Palace currently sit 18th in the table, presenting an opportunity for Liverpool to respond quickly. The full fixtures schedule shows a busy period ahead as the Reds look to close the gap at the top. This follows a recent run of results that includes a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Wednesday 28 October and a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Sunday 25 October.
First reported at Liverpool FC
