Havertz silences Anfield as Arsenal strike early at Liverpool
Kai Havertz has given Arsenal the perfect start at Anfield, capitalising on a dreadful mistake from Alisson to fire the Gunners ahead inside the opening quarter of an hour against defending champions Liverpool.
The goal arrived in the 16th minute after another shaky moment from the Liverpool goalkeeper, who gifted possession straight to Arsenal. The visitors pounced quickly, working the ball to the back post where Havertz was able to tap home a low cross to silence the Kop, according to live coverage from the Daily Mail.
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Liverpool respond but can't find a leveller
Liverpool have looked unconvincing defensively throughout the opening stages but dangerous going forward, with Bradley Barcola a persistent threat down the left. The Frenchman twice got the better of Jurrien Timber, first winning a corner before setting up Alexander Isak, who was unable to turn home a delightful cross with the goal at his mercy.
Moments later Isak was again inches away from an equaliser, rising to meet another inviting Barcola delivery but failing to make the connection count, with suspicions of a shirt pull going unpunished by VAR.
Arsenal have had to rely heavily on David Raya, who produced a crucial stop to deny Isak after the striker raced clear from a Liverpool counter attack, and was on hand again moments later to beat Barcola to a loose ball after a sloppy touch nearly let the hosts in.
The visitors have also had their own defensive alarms. Timber was forced into a vital intervention to block a goal bound effort from Noni Madueke that would have found Havertz at the back post, while Virgil van Dijk has pushed high up the pitch at times, almost operating as an auxiliary striker in Liverpool's press.
Nyoni handed full debut as Isak leads the line
Liverpool handed Trey Nyoni his first Premier League start, though the youngster has struggled to find his rhythm in the early exchanges, losing possession with a heavy touch and conceding a foul on Havertz. Arsenal, for their part, started Georges Mikautadze Tzolis in their XI as Mikel Arteta's side looked to make an early statement at a ground where the club has historically found results hard to come by.
With Liverpool creating the better of the clear cut chances despite falling behind, the contest remains finely poised. Arsenal's early breakthrough has given Arteta's side the platform to control the game, but Liverpool's attacking threat through Isak and Barcola means the lead is far from secure.
The remainder of the first half promises to test Arsenal's resolve as Liverpool search for a way back into the contest at Anfield.
