Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal: Missed chances end winning run as Havertz settles Anfield contest

Liverpool’s five-game winning run ended in frustration as Kai Havertz’s first-half goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory at Anfield. Andoni Iraola’s side generated pressure, struck the crossbar and wasted a clear headed opportunity, but could not turn their response into an equaliser.

Florian Wirtz came closest with a free-kick that beat David Raya and hit the woodwork. Alexis Mac Allister then headed over when unmarked, leaving Liverpool to reflect on two moments that might have changed the afternoon.

FotMob’s live commentary captured the pattern: Liverpool repeatedly pushed Arsenal back, yet the visitors defended their area effectively. With six points separating the clubs before kick-off, defeat left Iraola’s team nine behind the champions.

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Liverpool punished after loose Alisson pass

Iraola handed Trey Nyoni his first Premier League start, preferring the teenager to Ryan Gravenberch alongside Mac Allister. It was the only change from the league victory over Brighton.

Liverpool showed early promise when Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez combined before Cody Gakpo dragged a shot wide. Arsenal, however, established the more assured opening and capitalised in the 16th minute.

Alisson’s loose pass was anticipated by Martin Odegaard. Noni Madueke then released Declan Rice on the overlap, and his low delivery left Havertz with a simple finish at the far post.

Liverpool had allowed an avoidable loss of possession to become a decisive chance. Arsenal nearly added another when Bruno Guimaraes drove across goal, but Havertz could not reach it.

Wirtz and Mac Allister threaten first-half recovery

Liverpool’s strongest response developed down the left, where Bradley Barcola’s direct running and Kerkez’s deliveries began to stretch the visitors.

Isak narrowly failed to reach one inviting Barcola cross before shooting wide during another attack. Liverpool also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Gakpo tangled with Christos Tzolis.

The closest moment arrived in the 39th minute. From a tight angle, Wirtz curled a free-kick beyond Raya, only for the ball to strike the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Mac Allister arrived unmarked to meet Kerkez’s cross but headed over from eight yards.

“Liverpool have been excellent in the last 15 minutes and the quality of the crosses has been fantastic,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports, as quoted in FotMob’s coverage.

The delivery had been good enough. Liverpool’s finishing had not.

Second-half pressure lacks decisive final touch

Liverpool resumed with attacking intent, but Arsenal continued to deal with crosses and block attempts before Raya was seriously threatened.

Isak fired high from a difficult angle after Kerkez found him inside the area. Dominik Szoboszlai replaced Nyoni before Rio Ngumoha came on for Gakpo, giving Iraola different options in search of a breakthrough.

Arsenal still carried danger. Jeremy Jacquet intercepted a Tzolis cutback intended for Odegaard, and Alisson later made an important save from the winger.

At the other end, attempts from Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Araujo were charged down. The supplied commentary recorded Liverpool without a shot on target as late as the 86th minute, despite their sustained pressure.

Late changes fail to rescue Anfield point

Iraola introduced Kostas Tsimikas, Lewis Koumas and Victor Munoz in a triple change, sacrificing Kerkez, Wirtz and Araujo.

The closing stages brought further possession around Arsenal’s box, but few clean openings. Ngumoha’s effort deflected behind, while another delivery reached Barcola without allowing him a clear shot.

Frustration also surfaced in an altercation that brought bookings for Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber. It did nothing to change the central problem: Liverpool could not convert territorial pressure into a goal.

The defeat does not erase the progress of the previous five matches, but it exposes the demands of competing with an established contender. Liverpool responded energetically to going behind. Arsenal took their decisive opportunity and protected the advantage.

For Iraola, the next step is ensuring that attacking pressure produces more than near misses.