Gerrard backs Arsenal to win Premier League title after 'huge' Anfield victory

Steven Gerrard has backed Arsenal to win the Premier League title after their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, describing the result as potentially “huge” for Mikel Arteta’s side. Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game in the first half, lifting Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table while leaving Liverpool in fifth, nine points adrift.

Speaking on The Overlap, Gerrard was candid about his former club’s role in the defeat, suggesting Liverpool contributed to their own downfall. “They shot themselves in the foot, because there was no need to concede that early goal,” he said. “But they had the Mac Allister chance to get level, and obviously the penalty incident is big. Alisson makes a save.”

Despite his Liverpool allegiances, Gerrard was generous in his assessment of Arsenal’s performance, arguing that grinding out results at difficult venues is the hallmark of a title-winning side. “That’s how you win leagues, going to places like Liverpool, being strong, sticking together, and putting in a different type of performance, which was full of grit and fight and togetherness, and they got over the line.”

Gerrard also confirmed he has not wavered from his pre-season prediction. “They will know that come the end of the season, if they win the league, which I think they will — I haven’t changed my mind from the beginning of the season — they will look back at that more than your four or five-nils where they look fantastic.”

He pointed to Arsenal’s ability to win in contrasting styles as the quality that could ultimately separate them from their rivals. “This Arsenal team just look as if they can beat teams in different ways. I think that could be the difference.”

Arsenal had suffered a setback before the previous international break in September, losing to Brighton, but have since responded with four consecutive Premier League wins. Liverpool, meanwhile, face Crystal Palace next, with Gerrard acknowledging they have significant ground to make up if they are to mount a genuine title challenge.