The Gunners started brilliantly in the opening 15 minutes, capitalising with the goal, winning the ball high off a loose Liverpool pass and working the ball wide to Declan Rice, who slid a perfect cross into the box for Kai Havertz to tap into an empty net.

From the goal onwards, it was a much more backs up against the wall performance, defending wave after wave of Liverpool attacks. Despite the barrage, the Gunners restricted Liverpool to zero shots on target in the 90 minutes.

There was talk of how this Arsenal side may evolve having won the league, but it’s clear that the defensive solidity will remain the identity of this side, and huge credit must go to Ezri Konsa for filling the shoes of William Saliba and hardly missing a beat.

In attack, Christos Tzolis returned to the starting lineup after a month out with a hamstring injury, while Noni Madueke also passed a fitness test to start on the other wing. Their ability to stay high and wide to stretch the pitch was a much-needed weapon against Liverpool and having Tzolis back made a noticeable improvement to the side.

Even as Arsenal were forced to become more defensive, Tzolis continued to run at his fullback, put good crosses into the box and ran his socks off in the press.

 The only real criticism for Arsenal during the game was that they failed to capitalise on the counterattack enough, and it still feels that bringing in a level-raising attacker or two in January or the summer is an obvious way to improve the side.

 In midfield, it was a typically strong Rice display, capped off by a brilliant assist for the goal. It’s his fifth of the season and something he’s added to his game, and an improving Rice is a scary thought for the rest of the league.

 The Gunners host Hull City at the Emirates at 3pm on Saturday, looking to cement their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Tigers shocked the league with two wins from two in the opening games, but have failed to win any of their last seven games.

 Arsenal have a habit of dispatching newly promoted sides at home, and this could be an opportunity to continue the league momentum and rotate a few players.