Arsenal recorded a first Premier League win at Anfield in 16 years but needed some help from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, whose first-half error led to Kai Havertz’s solitary goal in the 1-0 win.
The Gunners pounced on Alisson’s loose pass on 16 minutes and ruthlessly capitalised as Declan Rice slid a sublime cross to the back post where Havertz slid home to give the visitors a lead to cling on to.
Not since manager Mikel Arteta was running the Arsenal midfield in 2012 had they tasted victory in the red half of Merseyside and they were tested to the limit in ending end that run.
However, if it is one thing Arteta’s side are well-drilled at it is seeing out games having maximised their opportunities and the celebrations in front of the visiting fans having moved top of the table showed how significant they felt this result was.
Relive all the action from Anfield with our live blog:
Read MoreAlexis Mac Allister labelled ‘embarrassing’ after trying to get Arsenal man sent off
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Mikel Arteta explains importance of Christos Tzolis injury boost for Liverpool clash
Liverpool v Arsenal LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Injury-hit Arsenal edged to a 1-0 win over Liverpool - a first win at Anfield since 2012
- Liverpool had been building form under Andoni Iraola with five straight wins before this loss
- 39' - CROSSBAR! Wirtz's curling free-kick strikes the woodwork [LIV 0-1 ARS]
- 16' - GOAL! Havertz strokes in at back post after great Rice cross [LIV 0-1 ARS]
A decent start to the marathon career for former Liverpool star Milner...
22:00 , Alan SmithFinal result for James Milner in the New York City Marathon: 3:09:04.
— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) November 1, 2026
Went out in 1:31:22 for the first half and slowed a bit on the way home, closing in 1:37:42. https://t.co/514UvV1uSM pic.twitter.com/sOCLPCLecl
Strong start
21:40 , Alan Smith24 - @Arsenal's 24 points are the most by a team after nine games of a Premier League season since the Gunners themselves in 2022-23 (also 24).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2026
Only in 2004-05 and 2007-08 have they ever had more at this stage of a PL campaign (25 in both).
Hungry. pic.twitter.com/JMu2gherPt
Was win a defining moment?
21:20 , Alan Smith"Today is too early,” Arteta says of such big talk.
"Today we just live in the present. Let's enjoy this incredible victory with our players, the staff and our people.
"And tomorrow we start to prepare another big, big, big fight in Prague."
Iraola takes positives despite clear room for improvement
21:00 , Alan Smith"We still have a lot of things to improve,” he told Sky.
"I think we have things that I love in the team, in terms of the willingness and the spirit. I think there is something that I like in this team.
"But today we messed up a goal kick, we concede from there, things that we definitely need to improve."
On the Isak penalty shout, he added: “The Alex Isak one is a clear penalty. You hold the t-shirt; we can all see that he holds the t-shirt. The ball just goes one centimetre in front of Alex. Alex is going to hit the ball in front of the goal.”
Rice explains Arteta demands
20:40 , Alan Smith"The manager had a really honest conversation with me at the start of the season and still thinks that I can do more in this shirt and for this club,” he tells Sky.
"And this season so far I've been feeling really good. We spoke about overlaps before the game.
"I spoke to this guy [Havertz] about attacking the box with real aggression. He was there, and he nearly could have had another one with the same action.
"So I'm so happy for him because he deserved that goal today."
‘Crazy’ stats that defined Arsenal’s statement win
20:20 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThere was a time when Mikel Arteta resorted to gimmicks in his bid to win at Anfield. He has tried blasting out You’ll Never Walk Alone at Arsenal’s training ground. That didn’t work.
Assembling this redoubtable, forceful side did. Five days after the worst result of Arteta’s reign came one of the best. “The defeat against Fleetwood looks the end of the world,” said Arteta. In contrast, this made him feel on top of the world.
Anfield may not quite be the final frontier for the Spaniard – perhaps winning at the Etihad Stadium is or, more importantly, winning the Champions League is – but another ambition has been realised.
The ‘crazy’ stats that defined Arsenal’s statement win at Anfield
Mac Allister 'embarrassing' for Madueke reaction
20:00 , Will CastleAlexis Mac Allister was labelled as “embarrassing” after trying to get Noni Madueke sent off during Arsenal’s win over Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta’s side went to the top of the Premier League after beating Liverpool 1-0 courtesy of Kai Havertz’s early strike, marking their first triumph at Anfield since 2012.
Liverpool threw everything at Arsenal in an attempt to find an equaliser, and frustration boiled over late on when a scuffle broke out between Reds midfielder Mac Allister and a number of Gunners players.
Alexis Mac Allister labelled ‘embarrassing’ after trying to get Arsenal man sent off
Van Dijk makes feelings clear
19:50 , Alan Smith"Disappointment, disappointment,” is how Virgil van Dijk has summed up Liverpool’s feelings after this game.
"We had some opportunities, we tried everything. I think we could have maybe done a bit better towards the last 15 minutes of the game to get more balls in the box.
"But it wasn't enough today and that's why disappointment is definitely the feeling I'm having."
'Proud' Arteta hails Arsenal history
19:35 , Alan Smith"Extremely proud of them. It's been 14 years, that's a long time, so I'm sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today,” he tells Sky.
"Not only for the victory but for the way we've done it, the spirit that we showed, the way we carried this shirt, this badge.
"Especially considering what happened four days ago when you lost and you got out of the cup against a team that you were supposed to beat.
"And that's the magical part about this game, that it can take you to really bad places, but four days later you have an incredible opportunity to do something historic, and we've done it."
Havertz hails Rice influence
19:20 , Alan Smith"This means a lot to the whole football club and it's been 14 years, that is a crazy stat and I think that we are all happy that we gave it to them today,” he tells Sky Sports pitchside.
"I think we all know what this stadium is about and what the fans are about. Liverpool have big players and they can show their quality. We knew that this was coming for us and we all stuck together and defended together."
"90% of the goal belongs to Declan Rice."
The game in graphics
19:05 , Alan Smith𝐅𝐓: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝟎-𝟏 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) November 1, 2026
Arsenal earn their first Premier League win at Liverpool since the 2012-13 season, ending a 13-match winless run at Anfield.
Defeat means Liverpool end the weekend nine points behind league leaders Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/715WGPTJyZ
Havertz's history
18:50 , Alan Smith46 - Kai Havertz is now the all-time leading German goalscorer in the Premier League (46 goals), overtaking Ilkay Gündogan (45).
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2026
Summit. pic.twitter.com/SuvYtYHPOq
Business as usual for Arsenal
18:35 , Alan SmithThey may not be the most prolific goalscorers - although they did commit plenty forward this evening - but Arsenal’s success remains built on defensive resilience. That is now six clean sheets from nine in the league.
Arsenal celebrate a big win
18:29 , Alan SmithArteta pumps his firsts in front of the away fans. That is a big win for them considering everyone expects Manchester City to be punished.
Arsenal deserve it
18:27 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA hard-fought, hard-earned win for Arsenal. They deserved that. They were defensively superb. Now they are nine points clear of Liverpool and it is hard to see Liverpool overturning that deficit.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:26 , Alan SmithAnd Arsenal have ended the 14-year wait for a league win at Anfield!
Liverpool played well for long spells of that game but the champions delivered a defensive masterclass in the second period to return to the summit of the table.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:25 , Alan Smith95’ - Ninety seconds to go. Alisson sends a long ball forward but Isak is punished for a foul on Gabriel, who unexpectedly makes the most of it.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:22 , Alan Smith92’ - Van Dijk is now operating as a centre-forward but Szoboszlai’s diagonal towards him is gathered by Raya.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:20 , Alan Smith91’ - The corner is headed away.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:20 , Alan Smith90’ - Munoz then has a shot blocked before Ngumoha’s follow up is deflected out for a corner.
There will be six added minutes.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:19 , Alan Smith90’ - Munoz gets on the end of a deep cross but his header is easily gathered by Raya.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:18 , Alan Smith88’ - Merino replaces Odegaard.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:16 , Alan Smith87’ - Ngumoha has a shot blocked, Liverpool win a corner that is cleared but the hosts recycle possession. And, as a wise man said, they go again.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:16 , Alan Smith86’ - Liverpool are committing more and more forward. Arsenal are dropping deeper, now utilising a five-man defence. The pattern of the remaining minutes have been established.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:13 , Alan Smith84’ - Arteta responds to those changes, bringing on Hincapie and Gyokeres for Tzolis and Havertz.
Wirtz wait goes on
18:11 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldSo Florian Wirtz goes off as his wait for a league goal this season goes on. In fairness, he came very close when hitting the bar.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:11 , Alan Smith81’ - A triple Liverpool sub. Koumas, Munoz and Tsimikas are on for Araujo, Wirtz and Kerkez.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:10 , Alan Smith81’ - Mac Allister and Timber are booked. Madueke is not punished. That’s the right decision from the officials and Mac Allister should also really be punished for his reaction, which Gary Neville has just described as “embarrassing” on TV.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:09 , Alan Smith80’ - Mac Allister has a go at Odegaard after a foul, slapping him on the back of the head, with Madueke then gesturing his head towards the Liverpool midfielder’s face. He goes down as if he has been severely hurt when there is probably no contact at all. VAR is unpicking the whole mess.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:06 , Alan Smith77’ - Araujo has a shot blocked by Konsa before it diverts into Raya’s arms after a cross in from Ngumoha on the right.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:03 , Alan Smith73’ - Big, big save from Alisson. Tzolis gets a yard away from Araujo and drills a low strike towards the bottom right corner but the Brazilian goalkeeper gets down quickly to keep it out.
The resulting corner causes no major concern.
Moments earlier Lewis-Skelly was booked for knocking Isak over.
Liverpool storm has been weathered
18:01 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldLiverpool really haven't created much this half. Arsenal's resistance before the break looks still more important now, weathering the storm when it was at its peak.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
18:00 , Alan Smith70’ - Kerkez and Havertz bang heads. The former goes down but gets back up without requiring treatment. Referee Madley still tells him he must leave the pitch for a minute, which is an absolute folly because why would a player on a team losing 1-0 be looking to waste time?
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:58 , Alan Smith68’ - Tzolis does well down the left but instead of shooting, he squares towards Odegaard. He should have shot though because Jacquet makes a good interception.
Zubimendi slips down the list
17:57 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldIt is interesting how far Martin Zubimendi has fallen from favour and how fast. He hasn't started a league game this season and now Arteta has brought Myles Lewis-Skelly on ahead of him.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:56 , Alan Smith67’ - Ngumoha is on for Gakpo.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:56 , Alan Smith66’ - Barcola sends a low cross in from the right but it’s just behind Wirtz, who turns and controls but finds his shot booked.
A moment later Kerkez is booked for checking Madueke as he tries to break.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:54 , Alan Smith65’ - Iraola’s response to Arsenal silencing Liverpool’s threat is to request the arrival of Ngumoha.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:52 , Alan Smith62’ - Lewis-Skelly is in for Guimaraes, who has not controlled the game as well as Arteta may have expected.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:50 , Alan Smith60’ - Arsenal have just taken a bit of the string from Liverpool in the past couple of minutes, enjoying a reasonable spell of steady possession.
Lewis-Skelly appears to be readying himself.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:48 , Alan Smith58’ - Szoboszlai is on for Nyoni, who did well after a couple of tasty early fouls which he was fortunate not to be booked for.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:46 , Alan Smith55’ - Arsenal enjoy their first foray forward of the half but Guimaraes wastes the momentum by shooting when there were options either side of him. Madueke is then booked for tripping Barcola.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:41 , Alan Smith50’ - Liverpool continue to control possession here, with Kerkez pushing up very high from left back, but Arsenal are defending as everyone expects them to.
How long until there are changes?
17:36 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThe Liverpool subs have been out on the pitch at half-time, with Dominik Szoboszlai striking some beautiful cross-field balls to Kostas Tsimikas - albeit without any opponents out there. Have to see when Iraola turns to Szoboszlai
17:35 , Alan Smith28 - Liverpool's 28 touches in the opposition box so far today are the most on record (since 2008-09) by any side in the first half of a Premier League game against Arsenal.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 1, 2026
Feverish. pic.twitter.com/WnPP2D3PSo
RESTARTED! Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:34 , Alan SmithWe’re back underway. Let’s hope for more of the same.
Liverpool on top but no goal
17:23 , Alan SmithAccording to Opta, between conceding and the 35th minute Liverpool had 74% possession, won 87.5% of their duels and recorded 19 penalty area entries (to Arsenal's two)
Powerful and purposeful Arsenal
17:22 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThis is seeming a very different trip to the north-west to Arsenal's last one, their defeat at Fleetwood on Tuesday. They have been powerful and purposeful, committed plenty of men forward and defended well as Liverpool have launched a series of attacks.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:19 , Alan SmithIt has been breathless. And Liverpool will fancy their chances of getting back into it because since conceding they have been, by some distance, the better team.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:18 , Alan Smith47’ - Barcola becomes the first booking of a half littered with zealous challenges. His punishment comes for taking Timber down.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:16 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be two added minutes and Arsenal badly need the respite.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:13 , Alan Smith42’ - Mac Allister has to score! But he heads it over after meeting a delicious Kerkez cross from the left about 10 yards from goal under light pressure.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:10 , Alan Smith39’ - Everyone thinks Wirtz is going to cross except the German. And his shot has Raya beaten only for it to crash back off the bar.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:09 , Alan Smith37’ - Arsenal are really losing the midfield battle at the moment and struggling to get out. Mac Allister has won a corner after driving in and slicing a cross that the referee thinks deflected off Gabriel but replays, and the Arsenal defender, suggest otherwise.
It is cleared, so no real cause for controversy.
A moment later Tiber is penalised for soft enough foul on Isak just outside the box on the left.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:04 , Alan Smith33’ - Mac Allister has options but chooses the wrong one by shooting instead of playing a team-mate in.
The TV coverage is showing a replay from earlier where Isak was clearly having his shirt pulled by Timber in the box but the Liverpool forward does not appeal for a penalty and it went ignored. If he should, could it have been given?
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:03 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldThis is a really high-octane affair, entertaining and frantic. It's a real contrast with the same game last season - though the scoreline is the opposite as Liverpool won that 1-0.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
17:00 , Alan Smith29’ - Now Liverpool want a penalty as Gakpo goes down under pressure from Tzolis while trying to reach a Mac Allister diagonal. There is contact but, really, not that much. VAR is checking and Iraola is insistent ... but after about a minute the decision is no penalty. Someone on Liverpool’s bench - one of the backroom staff, it appears - is booked for his protests.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
16:59 , Alan Smith27’ - It’s end to end stuff. Liverpool pour forward, Rice does well to cut out another cross, colliding with Raya. The hosts put the pressure on again, winning a corner which Isak is a whisker from converting having evaded Konsa. A second corner, from Gakpo, swings towards the goal and Gabriel heads it away for another delivery. that is only half-cleared and from there Isak sends in a cross that Raya gathers, providing some brief respite.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
16:57 , Alan Smith25’ - Timber has stopped it from becoming 2-0 by accidentally getting in the way of Madueke’s cross to Havertz, who was primed to tap it in. Timber was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, running towards the near post, but it’s a let off for Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
16:55 , Alan Smith24’ - That said Arsenal remain full of endeavour and Guimaraes has just flashed a low cross into the box. It zips out for a goal kick but was beggging to be finished off. Madueke may have his detractors but all of Arsenal’s most promising work has come down his right flank.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
16:52 , Alan Smith22’ - Liverpool are dialling up the pressure, winning a corner via Guimaraes, although the set piece is poor and easily cleared.
Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
16:49 , Alan Smith18’ - Now Arsenal get caught playing it out from the back, Konsa’s poor touch gives Barcola a chance but his own touch is slack and that allows Rice to nip in and make an important block.
Alisson counts cost of bad pass
16:48 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldA first goal in 10 games for Havertz, but it all stemmed from that poor pass out by Alisson. Not his first strangely bad pass this season, either.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal (Havertz, 16)
16:47 , Alan SmithFrom the goal kick after Rice’s shot, Liverpool go short and Odegaard presses well to win it off Jacquet. Arsenal sense blood. Madueke finds Rice on an overlap down the right, he sends in a low cross and Havertz tucks it home.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:46 , Alan Smith14’ - Rice has a pop from just over 20 yards. It’s Arsenal’s first attempt and it is is way, way, way over the bar.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:41 , Alan Smith10’ - Nyoni now clatters into Havertz. Again it’s a foul, again he is lucky not to be booked. The teenager is understanably keen to impress but the exuberance may well cost him at this rate.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:37 , Alan Smith6’ - And now Arsenal have a corner in front of the Kop, won by Tzolis off Jacquet, who was alert enough to stop any further danger from developing.
Rice takes it short to Tzolis, he passes it back and Van Dijk heads away a tame cross.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:36 , Alan Smith5’ - Some nice combination play involving Kerkez, Isak and, finally, Gakpo ends with the latter dragging a shot wide.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:34 , Alan Smith3’ - Gabriel embarrasses himself by going down and claiming he’s been hurt in the face after Isak pushed him in the chest. The referee is not willing to entertain such nonsense.
Wide changes
16:33 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldLiverpool winger watch. Today Barcola starts on the left and Gakpo on the right as Iraola continues to switch between his four left-sided wingers.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:32 , Alan Smith1’ - Forty-seven seconds on the clock and Nyoni plants the studs of his right boot on Odegaard’s ankle. A foul is given, it should really be a yellow card for the full debutant.
Kick-off! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:30 , Alan Smith1’ - Arsenal, in yellow, get us going, playing from left to right as we watch.
Anfield remembers
16:29 , Alan SmithBoth teams surround the centre circle for a rendition of The Last Post, while four wreaths are placed on the pitch.
Almost time
16:25 , Alan SmithThe teams are in the tunnel. The music is blaring out of the Anfield speakers and we’re almost ready to go.
Why Iraola has trust in Nyoni to shine
16:24 , Alan SmithAlso speaking to Sky, Iraola has explained the decision to start Nyoni. “The thinking is that he is playing very well, we trust him,” he said. “He has good control on the ball, he understands the game well, without the ball he is smart to deal with all the complications. He is really good on those things. We have to consider we have very good subs for the second half. It gives us good options, but we definitely trust Trey to do well."
Arsenal's long Anfield wait
16:08 , Alan SmithThose Arteta comments should be contextualised by saying their last win at Anfield was 14 years ago.
Arteta started in midfield for Arsene Wenger’s side, while the goals in a 2-0 win came from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla.
A teenage Raheem Sterling was among the Liverpool XI.
Nyoni was five at the time, Dowman just three.
'Today has to be the day'
16:01 , Alan SmithArteta has been speaking to Sky pre-match.
"We have been very close but moments decide those games and you have to be really precise in those moments to get the victory from here. Today has to be the day,” he says.
"This is the kind of opportunity, challenge, mission that you want to come to Anfield and get it done."
On facing Iraola, he adds: "Every manager has a different solution and approach. Andoni's is very clear. We expect a different game today. This is a team that is very vertical, they have the capacity to generate chaos from almost every situation."
Promise of goals?
15:57 , Alan SmithAccording to Opta, going into this weekend Liverpool (20) and Arsenal (19) were the two sides in the Premier League this season with the most direct attacks recorded.
Iraola backs youth; Arteta wants width
15:46 , Richard Jolly at AnfieldAndoni Iraola has backed youth today, starting Trey Nyoni against the champions. Dominik Szoboszlai is back on the bench but maybe not 100 percent fit. But Ryan Gravenberch is and he has been overlooked for the youngster.
Arsenal have some welcome news with Noni Madueke passed fit to play, made all the more significant as Bukayo Saka is injured and Max Dowman banned. With Christos Tzolis, who was injured on international duty with Greece, back too for his first club appearance since 19 September, Mikel Arteta has two wingers.
Wirtz finds form
15:35 , Alan Smith14 - Florian Wirtz has created 14 chances under high-intensity pressure from opponents in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 30, 2026
Composed. pic.twitter.com/5ZYdjheRb4
Tzolis return
15:25 , Alan SmithWinger Christos Tzolis has returned for his appearance in seven games having injured a hamstring on international duty.
Only Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz retain their places from the team that lost in the EFL Cup to Fleetwood midweek, while Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes start having missed the league win against Everton eight days ago.
Noni Madueke is also passed fit.
Nyoni reward
15:23 , Alan SmithTrey Nyoni starts for Liverpool as Iraola makes seven changes from the midweek EFL Cup win against Chelsea. Munoz and Szoboszlai are named on the bench following injuries.
Arsenal XI - confirmed
15:16 , Alan Smith🟡 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔵
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 1, 2026
Your Gunners, representing north London 👊
🤝 @deel
Liverpool XI - confirmed
15:16 , Alan SmithTeam news is IN! ✊🔴 #LIVARS pic.twitter.com/f9Zy0zK7sx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 1, 2026
Iraola faces biggest test of progress
15:05 , Richard JollyWhen Andoni Iraola and Mikel Arteta talked on 20 May, each could praise his boyhood friend for a historic achievement. While Arteta had just won Arsenal’s first Premier League title for 22 years, the kingmaker was Iraola, whose Bournemouth team had held Manchester City, leaving the Gunners four points clear with a game to go. “We spoke the next day just to congratulate each other because it was massive for us as we got Europe,” Iraola said.
If Iraola was an unwitting ally to Arteta then, now he assumes the role of obstacle to his fellow Basque’s ambitions. It is not merely because he has three victories in their last four meetings. “It doesn’t mean a lot,” said Iraola; now he has different players and a different team. Then he faced Arsenal as underdogs, now perhaps as equals.
But there is a school of thought that, if Arsenal do not retain their title, Liverpool are the likeliest champions. That mantle would rest with Manchester City, but the threat of a sizeable points deduction hangs over them. Liverpool have already lost to City at Anfield; beat Arsenal, as they did last year, and the gap between is reduced to three points. Lose and a nine-point deficit could look too big to overhaul.
Are Liverpool back? Andoni Iraola’s evolving project now faces the ultimate test
What's at stake today?
14:52 , Alan SmithArsenal will return to the summit if they avoid defeat following Manchester City’s defeat at home to Brighton on Saturday.
Liverpool can climb back above Chelsea and into fourth with a win. Should it end level they will still be behind Xabi Alonso’s side on goal difference.
Today's officials
14:40 , Alan SmithReferee: Andy Madley.
Assistants: Nick Hopton, Tim Wood.
Fourth official: Tom Bramall.
VAR: Stuart Attwell. Assistant VAR: James Bell.
Quiet before the storm
14:30 , Alan SmithAnd whatever other big-match pre-game cliche you would like to apply!
How Iraola is managing playing load
14:21 , Alan SmithWhile Jeremie Frimpong is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, and Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees, Iraola was speaking in his pre-match media about how wider backroom staff are managing playing load during a busy spell of fixtures.
“You have to do a lot of the job with the analysts, in the video room, with the board – without spending the legs,” he said.
“But I think our players are very used to it, so a lot of the work is done and now it’s more a matter of getting the decisions right in terms of the loading, freshening the legs.
“We are changing a lot from game to game and I think we will continue this approach, because I think it’s going well.”
Early Arsenal team news
14:08 , Alan SmithNoni Madueke has been pictured on the Gunners’ pre-match walk.
On Friday Arteta said of the winger: "We'll have a training session [on Saturday].
"[We'll] see if he can complete that full session and as I said, I will know whether he's available or not."
Early Liverpool team news
13:57 , Alan SmithAndoni Iraola could be boosted by the return of Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz.
Szoboszlai’s return form injury against Brentford two weeks ago lasted only 31 minutes but there is a chance the midfielder, who scored a stunning free-kick in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Arsenal last season, is available.
“We still have two days,” Iraola said on Friday. “I think they have a chance, yes."
Dowman appeal rejected
13:46 , Alan SmithArsenal’s appeal to have Dowman’s ban overturned was rejected despite Arteta saying there was a “good argument” for it to be.
“His reaction was minimal related to the [tackle],” Arteta said on Friday. "It is what it is. We had a good argument on the table. Not only on the action which is so evident but also the context of the player and his age. It could have been really bad. We are lucky he hasn’t got a broken foot."
Mikel Arteta defends angry reaction to Max Dowman red card: ‘This is not Disneyland’
13:40 , Jamie BraidwoodOn Friday, Mikel Arteta issued a staunch defence of his reaction to Max Dowman’s red card against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday and warned the 16-year-old he is not in “Disneyland” following his controversial sending off.
Mikel Arteta defends angry reaction to Max Dowman red card: ‘This is not Disneyland’
Max Dowman appeal verdict: Arsenal fail in bid to overturn red card against Fleetwood
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleArsenal challenged Max Dowman’s sending off in that game, but their appeal failed – adding to Mikel Arteta’s issues in terms of attacking personnel with Bukayo Saka out. Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke have travelled to Merseyside, reports suggest, and may bolster the squad.
Dowman appeal verdict: Arsenal fail in bid to overturn red card
The hypocrisy of Mikel Arteta’s scathing reaction towards ‘kid’ Max Dowman
13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleArsenal would not shirk their tag as title favourites as Mikel Arteta’s side look to go back to back, but their chase of one piece of silverware ended in pretty humiliating fashion at Fleetwood on Tuesday. Credit to the League Two side, uber impressive in a major upset, but Max Dowman and Mikel Arteta did not cover themselves in glory. Will Castle analyses.
The hypocrisy of Mikel Arteta’s scathing reaction towards ‘kid’ Max Dowman
Are Liverpool in a title challenge? Andoni Iraola reveals stance before Arsenal test
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoylePremier League managers have a strange habit of trying to avoid positioning their sides in the title race, with Andoni Iraola cautious on Friday when asked about Liverpool’s aspirations.
Are Liverpool in a title challenge? Andoni Iraola reveals stance before Arsenal test
Are Liverpool back? Andoni Iraola’s evolving project now faces the ultimate test
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels a definitive day for Liverpool’s chances this season. Andoni Iraola’s side still feel like a work in progress but they have turned a corner and can make a statement against the champions, writes Richard Jolly.
Are Liverpool back? Andoni Iraola’s evolving project now faces the ultimate test
Arsenal seeking rare Anfield success
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleMikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal over the last few seasons but there is still one land he is yet to conquer – sort of. The Premier League champions’ last win at Anfield came all the way back in 2012...when Arteta was marshalling the Arsenal midfield.
Liverpool v Arsenal LIVE
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo Anfield, for a clash of champions and (potential) challengers. Liverpool’s chances of mounting a title charge feel to be gathering steam as Andoni Iraola’s squad settles in under the manager – and there would be no better way to make their intentions clear than against an Arsenal side facing a few injury and unavailability headaches after a strange week.
Kick off is at 4.30pm GMT.
