From Fleetwood embarrassment to 'magical' Anfield win 14 years in making

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"Today has to be the day."

That is what manager Mikel Arteta said before Arsenal secured their first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, beating Liverpool thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal.

Arteta was Arsenal captain the last time the Gunners won at Liverpool - 2-0 in 2012 - and they have had 16 unsuccessful trips in all competitions until Sunday's victory.

The Spaniard's side, as they so often do, produced a defensive masterclass to keep out wave after wave of Liverpool attack to deliver a rare and historic win.

Arsenal travelled to Anfield after an embarrassing loss to League Two Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Arteta said he thought that humbling loss in Lancashire could spur his side on to a historic win at Liverpool.

"Extremely proud. It's been 14 years, that's a long time," Arteta said after the game.

"I'm sure we made everybody attached to the club extremely proud today. Not only for the victory but for the way we've done it, the spirit we've shown.

"Especially considering what happened four days ago when you lose and go out of the cup against a team you are supposed to beat. That's the magical part of this game, it can take you to really bad places but four days later you have the opportunity to do something really historic and we've done it.

"Overall, to win against a team that is producing what they are doing, and also in the emotional state after Fleetwood, that's what a winning team should do."

Before the match, centre-back Gabriel said that Arsenal were expecting a "big battle" and "big chaos" against Liverpool.

That prediction was correct and, after going ahead, Arsenal were pinned back before the break.

Although the second half was a bit calmer, they still defended resolutely and did not allow Liverpool a shot on target.

The Gunners, who have kept six clean sheets this season, are now three points clear at the top of the table after nine games.

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