Arsenal ended a 13-year wait for a league victory at Anfield with a performance Jamie Carragher believes has placed their defence alongside the club’s celebrated back lines of the past.
Mikel Arteta’s side had not won at Liverpool’s home ground since 2012, when the current Arsenal manager was still playing in midfield for the Gunners. Despite spending long periods under pressure, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory and became the first visiting team to prevent Liverpool from registering a shot on target at home.
Arteta said: “I like it when we do something we haven’t done in many years.” He described Arsenal’s defensive display as “outstanding”, while the result offered further evidence of the team’s title credentials after nine league rounds.
Declan Rice highlighted the collective effort behind the result.
“In the end, it was that backline, our cooperation with each other, and the cohesion we had that made it impossible for the opponents to get through,” he said. “It’s something I’ve never seen before.”
Carragher praised Arsenal’s ability to absorb Liverpool’s pressure without allowing a clear opportunity.
“To withstand so much pressure at Anfield and not concede a single shot on target is outstanding,” he said. “And for Liverpool, after spending so much money on attacking players, still not to create a clear chance is remarkable.
“When you think about Arsenal winning titles, especially in 1989 and 1991 with Tony Adams and that famous backline, I think we are getting close to putting this backline in the same conversation.”
Gary Neville described the performance as a “defensive masterclass”, comparing Arsenal’s compact and disciplined approach with the teams managed by Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal also used their physical approach effectively, winning 18 fouls. Jurrien Timber, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke won three each, helping to disrupt Liverpool’s momentum, while Konsa won all eight of his duels.
That determination pleased Arteta most, although he said the team still had scope to make further subtle improvements. Arsenal have won 81% of their league matches under him when scoring first, with the 1-0 victory remaining a familiar feature of their results. Since Arteta took charge, they have won 33 league matches by that scoreline, more than any other team.
“This victory is not just about winning itself, but about the way we won, the spirit we showed, and how we wear this jersey and this badge,” Arteta said. “Every player, every action, is committed to that.
“That’s the magic of football. It can take you to a very bad place, but four days later you have another great opportunity to make history, and we did.”
Carragher also reserved his strongest individual praise for Rice, calling him “world-class”. Rice assisted Havertz’s winning goal, controlled midfield and made several important interceptions as Liverpool pressed.
His 63 touches were the most of any Arsenal player.
“He’s one of the best midfielders in Arsenal’s history,” Carragher said. “Arsenal have certainly had some great midfielders, but he’s already right up there with the very best, even ahead of them. He’s the best midfielder in the Premier League by a very wide margin, and there’s no argument about it.”
