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Arsenal’s hard‑fought 1‑0 win at Liverpool has reinforced the view that Mikel Arteta’s side can retain the Premier League title, with Steven Gerrard especially impressed by their ability to secure victories without playing their most fluid football.
Kai Havertz’s early strike proved sufficient, as Arsenal’s defensive solidity after taking the lead secured the win at Anfield.
The outcome placed Arsenal three points ahead of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League and ended a 14‑year drought of league victories at Anfield.
Gerrard backs Arsenal after Liverpool win
In an interview on The Overlap on Monday, Gerrard highlighted the maturity of Arsenal’s performance, emphasising aspects beyond their attacking play.
He said: “I thought it was a really professional performance,” Gerrard said.
“I don’t think it was a wonderful free‑flowing type of Arsenal performance, which we’ve seen in terms of quality and all the quality players they’ve got.”
Gerrard likened Arsenal’s resilience to the proven approach of José Mourinho’s elite Chelsea sides, renowned for safeguarding narrow margins and discovering alternative paths to victory.
Gerrard added, “They’re such a difficult team to beat; they can out‑maneuver you in various ways,” he explained.
These observations are backed by statistics: Liverpool generated 17 attempts but failed to register a single shot on target. Arsenal became the first visiting team to accomplish this at Anfield in a Premier League fixture since Opta began recording data in 2003.
Winning ugly could decide the title race
The ultimate compliment for Arsenal is that they are no longer defined by the need to play beautifully.
Gerrard explained, “That’s the formula for league success: travelling to tough venues like Liverpool, staying strong, cohesive, and delivering a different kind of performance,” he said.
He then reaffirmed his title prediction, “If they win the league—I think they will—I have not altered my view since the start of the season.”
This confidence appears increasingly justified. Arsenal have amassed 24 points from nine matches, maintained six clean sheets, and currently lead Liverpool by nine points.
Paul Merson echoed the sentiment, branding the Anfield performance a “mark of champions” and forecasting that Arsenal will comfortably retain the title.
While Arsenal are expected to deliver more aesthetically pleasing wins this season, the manner in which they overcame Liverpool at Anfield—through organisation, discipline and resilience—may prove more crucial to securing the title.
