Declan Rice has revealed the message Mikel Arteta gave Arsenal before their long-awaited win at Anfield, as the champions finally ended one of their most stubborn away records.
Declan Rice has revealed how Mikel Arteta used Arsenal’s long wait for a win at Anfield to motivate his players before Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal after 16 minutes, tapping in at the far post after Rice sent a low cross through the Liverpool penalty area.
It gave Arsenal their first Premier League win at Anfield since September 2012, moving them five points clear of Brighton at the top and nine ahead of Liverpool.
For Rice, though, the significance went beyond the league table.
“Coming to Anfield, I think the record here speaks for itself – the first win here in 14 years – so today to win 1-0, to show that togetherness, resilience – it’s unbelievable,” he said.
“I’m just delighted to get the win and the three points.
“The manager drilled that into us, showed us the last time before we won at Spurs away, Chelsea away, it was many, many years, and Liverpool was the longest outstanding one.
“He drilled it into us to have that mentality to come here today and win, to show that togetherness.
“I think the togetherness is unmatched. I’ve never been in a team like it that’s got this togetherness. The manager, what he’s built, how happy everyone is every day to come in, see each other, work and represent this club – it’s amazing.”
Arteta had challenged his players before the game to end a run stretching back 14 years, and they did it by taking an early chance and then defending their lead for the rest of the afternoon.
Liverpool did have a few opportunities before half-time. Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar from a free-kick (Raya had it covered), while Alexis Mac Allister headed over from a good position.
There was also a contentious moment when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt inside the area, but no penalty was given.
It should have been. But while a lot has been made in the UK media about that incident, next to nothing has been said about the two atrocious tackles made by Trey Nyoni in the first 10 minutes that should have seen him sent off.
Liverpool finished the game without a shot on target, the first time in Premier League history that has happened to them at home. Coincidentally, that is the same number they managed at the Emirates in their last match there in January.
At the other end, Christos Tzolis had the chance to give Arsenal some breathing room after the break, forcing Alisson into a good save with a low effort on his return after a month out with a hamstring issue.
Havertz’s goal, though, ultimately proved enough.
The win was Arsenal’s 300th away victory in the Premier League, while Havertz reached 46 goals in the competition, taking him above Ilkay Gündogan as its highest-scoring German player.
More importantly for Arteta and his players, another unwanted away record has finally gone.
- Declan Rice reveals what Arteta told Arsenal before Anfield winDeclan Rice has revealed the message Mikel Arteta gave Arsenal before their long-awaited Anfield win as the champions ended a 14-year league wait.
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