Liverpool set unwanted record at Anfield in defeat to Arsenal

Arsenal made history on Sunday as they became the first team ever to stop Liverpool from registering a single shot on target at Anfield in a Premier League game

The Gunners secured a gritty win thanks to Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute tap-in from Declan Rice’s low cross, after Liverpool were caught trying to play out from the back. Havertz’s goal was also his 46th in the Premier League, making him the highest-scoring German in Premier League history, overtaking Ilkay Gundogan.

According to Opta, it was the first time in 442 Premier League games at Anfield since records began in 2003-04 that Liverpool have failed to have a shot on target at home. Liverpool dominated with 56% possession, 17 shots (0 on target), 28 touches in Arsenal’s box in the first half alone – the most by any team against Arsenal since 2008-09.

The Reds never tested David Raya as Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free-kick in the 39th minute and Alexis Mac Allister headed over from 8 yards, but that was as close as they came. It is also the second straight meeting where Arsenal have kept Liverpool without a shot on target, after the 0-0 in January 2026.

The win was massive for more reasons as Arsenal’s first Premier League win at Anfield since September 2012 – when current boss Mikel Arteta was captain in a 2-0 win with goals from Podolski and Cazorla. They were winless in 13 visits (five draws, eight defeats) before Sunday. The win took Arsenal top of the Premier League with 24 points from nine games, three points clear of Manchester City who lost to Brighton on Saturday, while Liverpool stay fifth on 15 points, now nine points behind the leaders.