Arsenal's miserly defence thwarted Liverpool at Anfield to send the Premier League champions top. 

Kai Havertz tapped in what proved to be the winner from a fine Arsenal move 16 minutes in, with Alexis Mac Allister spurning the best chance before the break. 

Wave after wave of attack from the home side came and went in the second period, although Andoni Iraola's men were unable to conjure many clear-cut chances. 

Ultimately the Reds could not force their way through the wall in front of them and Arteta won away against Liverpool for the first time in the top flight.

The Gunners took advantage of Man City's defeat by Brighton on Saturday and are now three points clear. 

Daily Mail Sport's LEWIS STEELE and ISAAN KHAN were in position at Anfield to run the rule over both sides... 

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1):

Alisson - 6

A loose pass cost Liverpool and led directly to Arsenal’s goal but made a phenomenal save on 73 minutes to deny Tzolis.

Ronald Araujo - 5

Could he have done better to keep track of Havertz for the opener? Maybe harsh but the German ghosted in at Araujo’s back post.

Jeremy Jacquet - 6

A few heavy touches early doors but settled and made some important tackles.

Virgil van Dijk - 6

Made a last-ditch intervention on 71 minutes to prevent what looked certain to be Havertz’s second goal.

Milos Kerkez - 6 (Booked)

Threatened more than usual going forward and nearly had an assist but for a bad Mac Allister header.

Trey Nyoni - 6

Two fouls were lucky to go unpunished in the opening stages but Nyoni, on his first league start, soon settled and started to dictate from deep.

Alexis Mac Allister - 7 (Booked)

Had Liverpool’s best chance when unmarked in the box and the Argentine usually gobbles up those chances. Was Liverpool’s sharpest player.

Cody Gakpo - 5

Did an important defensive shift on the wildcard left back Riccardo Calafiori, who is everywhere, but Gakpo did not offer enough threat the other way.

Florian Wirtz - 5

Another big game where fans would have wanted more. Some nice moments but made the wrong decision too often.

Bradley Barcola - 7 (Booked)

Had a big opening just after Arsenal’s goal to make it 1-1 but a heavy touch let him down. Was Liverpool’s most dangerous asset in the first half, looked tired late on.

Alexander Isak - 5

His honesty came back to bite him when he did not throw himself to ground in a first-half penalty shout. Did not impact proceedings enough otherwise.

SUBS:

Dominik Szoboszlai (for Nyoni, 58min) - 6

Rio Ngumoha (for Gakpo, 66min) - 5

Kostas Tsimikas (for Kerkez, 81min)

Victor Munoz (for Araujo, 81min)

Lewis Koumas (for Wirtz, 81min)

Not used:

Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Gravenberch.

Manager:

Andoni Iraola - 6

His attackers got into dangerous positions but could not finish their dinner.

Referee:

Andy Madley - 4

Looked a penalty for a tug on Isak. Inconsistent usage of his yellow card.

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1):

David Raya: 7

Accurate, fast distribution when under pressure from the Liverpool frontline. Consistently set Arsenal away on counter-attacks.

Jurrien Timber: 6

Looked overwhelmed at times and didn’t get forward as much as he’d have liked. Still, played his part in keeping the cleansheet.

Ezri Konsa: 8

Bailed out by Declan Rice for his errant pass on 18 minutes. After that, he barely put a foot wrong. Found himself in the right place at the right time defensively.

Gabriel: 7

Up for the fight in the bearpit atmosphere that is Anfield. Strong aerially and stayed switched on for darting runs of Alexander Isak.

Riccardo Calafiori: 8

A handful both in attack and defence. Made menacing runs into final third which the opposition found tricky to track.

Declan Rice: 9

A complete, domineering display typified by a desire to break into attacking areas and clean up in midfield. Excellent cross to assist Kai Havertz.

Bruno Guimaraes: 6

Aggressive in tackles and pressing. His wild scream towards the crowd after tackling Bradley Barcola set the tone. Yet the introduction of Myles Lewis-Skelly brought more control.

Noni Madueke: 7

Has now strung together a few promising displays after facing scrutiny. Direct and kept looking to take on Milos Kerkez.

Martin Odegaard: 7

Led the press, which contributed in the build-up to Havertz’s strike. Tireless and his will didn’t peter, even when Liverpool enjoyed much possession.

Christos Tzolis: 6

Good effort by the Greek to accelerate his return to Arsenal’s squad after his injury woes. Curling effort on 73 minutes required a good save.

Kai Havertz: 7

Simple finish from Rice’s excellent cross. Did his best to hold play up when in possession. Put in a vigorous shift off the ball.

Manager:

Mikel Arteta: 9

Arsenal win at Anfield for the first time in 14 years — and they keep a clean sheet. An excellent day’s work.

Substitutions: 

Myles Lewis-Skelly: 7

Piero Hincapie: N/A

Viktor Gyokeres: N/A

Mikel Merino: N/A