Zero! Arsenal force Liverpool into unwanted Premier League record

Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute goal proved decisive, ending the Gunners’ 14-year wait for a league win on Merseyside and sending Mikel Arteta’s side top of the table.

The real story, however, was Liverpool’s complete lack of cutting edge. The hosts managed 17 shots but failed to register a single effort on target.

According to Opta, it was the first time since records began in the 2003-04 season that Liverpool had drawn a blank for shots on target in a Premier League match at Anfield.

The game was their 442nd league fixture at the stadium in that period.

Despite enjoying 56 per cent possession and recording 28 touches in the Arsenal box during the first half alone, the most by any side against the Gunners in an opening period since 2008-09, Liverpool could not find a way through.

Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar, and Alexis Mac Allister headed wide from a good position, but David Raya was never seriously tested.

The result leaves Liverpool nine points behind the leaders after nine games and highlights just how effective Arsenal’s organisation has become under Arteta.

The Gunners must now be considered favourites to retain the title, especially after Manchester City's defeat to Brighton just 24 hours earlier.