Arsenal's torment at Anfield has finally ended. Not since 2012, when Mikel Arteta himself was orchestrating play in the Gunners' midfield, had the club managed to claim victory on Liverpool's ground. That drought is now history, and the manner of the win has left observers stunned.
According to Sky Sports, Arteta's team demonstrated ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch, delivering a tactical masterpiece that showcases the champion mentality now embedded in the squad. The Spanish manager has overseen a transformation that extends far beyond this single result.
Arteta himself was visibly delighted with what unfolded.
I love when there is something that we haven't done for many years,he said, before lavishing praise on his players for executing what he termed a
remarkabledefensive display. If the intention was to send a message about Arsenal's credentials, the objective was achieved in emphatic fashion.
Despite spending much of the opening 45 minutes under sustained Liverpool pressure, Arsenal's backline proved impenetrable. The hosts managed zero accurate shots on target—a historic first at Anfield, where Liverpool have never previously failed to register at least one attempt on target at home.
Declan Rice, the midfielder at the heart of Arsenal's control, reflected on the collective achievement with genuine wonder.
In the end, that defensive line, the way we stick together, that togetherness we have, is undefeated. It's nothing I've ever seen before.Nine matches into their title defence, Arsenal's campaign is unfolding precisely as planned.
The praise from outside observers has been equally emphatic. Jamie Carragher, analysing the performance, highlighted the sheer difficulty of what Arsenal had accomplished.
To come to Anfield and be put under that much pressure and not have a shot on target from the opposition, or Liverpool not get a big chance given the money they have spent on their attack, is outstanding.
Carragher then drew a striking historical parallel.
When you think about Arsenal winning titles, especially in '89 and '91 with Tony Adams and that famous back four, I think we're getting close to putting this back four in that conversation.Such a comparison underscores just how impressive the defensive display truly was.
Gary Neville offered his own assessment, describing the performance as a
defensive masterclassand drawing comparisons to the compact, suffocating systems associated with Jose Mourinho's most successful sides.
Tactical discipline and Rice's commanding display
Arsenal's approach extended beyond pure defensive solidity. The team won 18 fouls across the match, with Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke each drawing three apiece—a deliberate strategy designed to disrupt Liverpool's rhythm and momentum. Ezri Konsa, meanwhile, proved dominant in his individual battles, winning all eight of the duels he contested.
This level of application and intensity is precisely what Arteta values most in his players. Under his management, Arsenal have won 81 per cent of league matches in which they have opened the scoring, establishing themselves as masters of protecting an advantage once gained.
Arteta expanded on his satisfaction with the overall execution.
Not only for the victory, but for the way we've done it, the spirit that we showed, the way we carried this shirt, this badge. It's a commitment of every single player in every action to deliver those kinds of stats. And that's the magical part about this game, that it can take you to really bad places, but four days later you have an incredible opportunity to do something historic, and we've done it.
Arteta's recent long-term contract extension signals the club's confidence in his vision, with the manager now entering what has been described as the dynasty phase of his project at the Emirates.
Rice hailed as Premier League's finest midfielder
While the collective effort drew universal admiration, Carragher reserved special commendation for Rice, whose performance stood out even among his accomplished teammates. The midfielder delivered one of his most complete showings of the season, providing the assist for Kai Havertz's winning goal while simultaneously anchoring the middle third with the kind of authority that would have made prime Arteta proud.
Rice functioned as the defensive shield Arsenal required when Liverpool were generating sustained attacking pressure, making crucial interceptions during the most dangerous moments. His 62 touches represented the highest tally of any Arsenal player on the day.
Carragher's assessment of Rice's standing was unequivocal.
He's one of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had. They've obviously had some great ones. He's right up there with the best of them. He's the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It's not even a debate.
The former Liverpool defender had earlier called Rice
world class, a designation that reflects the midfielder's transformation since joining Arsenal and his emergence as one of the division's most influential performers.
