Havertz record goal seals Arsenal's first Anfield win in 14 years as Iraola fumes over penalty call

Kai Havertz’s early goal gave Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, ending a 14-year wait for a Premier League victory on Liverpool’s ground and moving Mikel Arteta’s side three points clear at the top of the table. In scoring, Havertz became the all-time leading German goalscorer in Premier League history.

Declan Rice provided the assist for the only goal, which arrived in the 16th minute, and Arsenal spent much of the remainder of the match defending resolutely under sustained Liverpool pressure. The Gunners recorded a remarkable 49 clearances across the 90 minutes, with centre-backs Gabriel and Ezri Konsa, along with full-backs Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, repelling everything the home side could muster.

The result was not without controversy. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was visibly furious in his post-match press conference, insisting his side should have been awarded a penalty in the 21st minute when Timber appeared to grab Alexander Isak’s shirt as a cross came into the box. Isak stayed on his feet and referee Andy Madley waved play on, with VAR declining to intervene.

“I think the Isak one is a clear penalty,” Iraola said. “He is going to head the ball in front of the goal and they grab him where everyone sees the shirt. Probably because he doesn’t dive or he doesn’t go to the floor — it shouldn’t be a reason not to concede a penalty.”

Iraola went further, suggesting the incident may change how his players approach similar situations. “We have to say what it is — I think it is a pen — but we have to control the things we need to improve to be on the right side of these close games.”

Rice, whose assist set up the decisive moment, also shed light on a candid conversation he had with Arteta at the start of the season. The England midfielder revealed the Arsenal manager told him directly that he believed Rice still had more to give in a Gunners shirt — a message that appears to have sharpened his focus this campaign.

Arsenal now turn their attention to a Champions League away tie against Slavia Prague, carrying significant momentum after one of their most significant league results in over a decade.