“Right this moment needs to be the day.”
That’s what supervisor Mikel Arteta mentioned earlier than Arsenal secured their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, beating Liverpool due to Kai Havertz’s first-half aim.
Arteta was Arsenal captain the final time the Gunners gained at Liverpool – 2-0 in 2012 – and so they have had 16 unsuccessful journeys in all competitions till Sunday’s victory.
The Spaniard’s facet, as they so usually do, produced a defensive masterclass to maintain out wave after wave of Liverpool assault to ship a uncommon and historic win.
Arsenal travelled to Anfield after an embarrassing loss to League Two Fleetwood City within the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Arteta mentioned he thought that humbling loss in Lancashire might spur his facet on to a historic win at Liverpool.
“Extraordinarily proud. It has been 14 years, that is a very long time,” Arteta mentioned after the sport.
“I am certain we made all people hooked up to the membership extraordinarily proud right now. Not just for the victory however for the way in which we have accomplished it, the spirit we have proven.
“Particularly contemplating what occurred 4 days in the past once you lose and exit of the cup towards a staff you’re imagined to beat. That is the magical a part of this sport, it may possibly take you to essentially dangerous locations however 4 days later you might have the chance to do one thing actually historic and we have accomplished it.
“Total, to win towards a staff that’s producing what they’re doing, and likewise within the emotional state after Fleetwood, that is what a successful staff ought to do.”
Earlier than the match, centre-back Gabriel mentioned that Arsenal had been anticipating a “massive battle” and “massive chaos” towards Liverpool.
That prediction was right and, after going forward, Arsenal had been pinned again earlier than the break.
Though the second half was a bit calmer, they nonetheless defended resolutely and didn’t permit Liverpool a shot heading in the right direction.
The Gunners, who’ve saved six clear sheets this season, at the moment are three factors clear on the prime of the desk after 9 video games.
