Within seconds of the full-time whistle, Gabriel Heinze had lifted an elated Mikel Arteta off the turf.
The Argentine knew why this result brought his colleague a certain catharsis, which had eluded him for over a decade.
Arteta had previously opened up about the psychological difficulties of playing at Anfield, describing the experience akin to a cyclist suddenly running out of energy. A mental paralysis of sorts.
The game in question was in February 2014, having experienced a 5-1 defeat as a Gunners player. Arsenal’s previous victory against Liverpool away dated back to September 2012, a 14-year wait to banish these demons which he was duly reminded of in Friday’s press conference and in the minutes before kick-off.
Instead, it’s now getting scary for Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals. The prospect of the Arteta’s side opening up a gap from the chasing pack by Christmas is becoming a real possibility — and it’s all because of their defence.
A William Saliba-less backline reducing the Reds to zero shots on target at Anfield is a moment worth digesting.
Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Heinze jubilantly embrace as the final whistle blows at Anfield
Arsenal ended their 14-year wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield with a superb display
Winning on opposition territory after an abysmal record lasting over a decade is an achievement in itself. But to ensure a frontline featuring Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola aren’t given so much as a sniff in front of goal is a further statement.
For all the focus around the fragilities of their frontline — the weaknesses are still very much in the open, as seen by the shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town — it’s Arsenal’s defence which underpins everything.
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have not lost a league game when leading the scoreline at half-time. Just like how Arsenal’s (previously) woeful record at Anfield would be used as a reminder, this statistic is a menacing one for future opponents.
It raises the question: how does this backline compare to the best Premier League defences who came before them?
If the team carry on in this vein towards a consecutive league title, the Arsenal Invincibles set-up from the historic 2003-04 season of Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure, Ashley Cole and Lauren, with Jens Lehmann in goal, could soon be superseded.
The current collection of defenders, backed up by David Raya, create a defensive structure which is proving so hard to break down, even with the lack of a sole regular scorer in the side.
Gabriel, despite his embarrassing attempt at pretending Isak struck him in the face yesterday, stayed strong in physical duels and didn’t relent in periods when Liverpool piled the pressure on.
By the 42nd minute, the Reds had whipped in 17 crosses, many of which were cleared by Gabriel or Konsa.
Riccardo Calafiori is a wonderfully-gifted footballer who finds himself in some unorthodox positions which are difficult to track. The Italian’s menacing runs inverting from the left flank caused Liverpool many a problem.
Kai Havertz tapped home from a low cross early on to give Arsenal a crucial lead to defend
Even Jurrien Timber, who didn’t have his best game in the final third, helped ensure solidity at right back up against Cody Gakpo.
It’s the £55million Ezri Konsa, though, which reflects a shrewdness typifying Arsenal and Arteta. As soon as it emerged that Saliba would be sidelined for months with a back injury, a right-sided centre back became the priority.
The 29-year-old has slotted in seamlessly and again shone against the Reds, mirroring the ‘blessed’ tattoo he has in-scripted on his left hand.
The versatile defender won 100 per cent of his ground duels, made 14 defensive contributions and completed eight clearances. He ranked No 1 in all these categories yesterday.
An Arteta team starts from a rock-solid base with multiple, versatile defenders, often at the cost of fewer frontline options (Arteta struck just two more league goals than third-placed Manchester United last season, for example).
It ultimately worked in the previous campaign, their defence propelling Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Another title appears to be well on track. And: watch out Campbell and Co. The moniker for Arsenal’s best defence in modern history is at risk.
GUNNERS GAINING FROM MIKEL’S RUTHLESS STREAK
Arteta’s ruthlessness is well-documented. Just ask Aaron Ramsdale or Jakub Kiwior, who were eased out after being surplus to requirements in recent years.
Or the cold treatment of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil earlier in the Spaniard’s reign over their behaviours.
Arteta’s ruthlessness with team selection is continuing to pay dividends for the Gunners
The current squad is brimming with talent — and spades of uncertainty.
Eberechi Eze performed well off the bench against Bayern Munich after Bukayo Saka’s thigh injury on 10 minutes, followed up by a start against Everton — and didn’t get a minute against Liverpool.
While Viktor Gyokeres was given his first league start of the season against Everton, where he played well — only to be dropped for this match.
As seen by Christos Tzolis’ dash to make yesterday’s squad ahead of schedule, influenced by Max Dowman’s three-match suspension, no one’s place is really secure.
That makes for a truly competitive environment.
HEINZE IS RAISING THE BAR
The final word must rest with Heinze.
The fiery serial-winner, drafted in by Arteta in July 2025, was always going to demand high standards and bring a ferocity which can turn some the wrong way. At Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys, for example, he would weigh the players twice a day.
Heinze’s arrival in July 2025 has added a steeliness to the defence and paid off in spades
So the appointment was attached with risks, even if Arteta had grown close to his ex-team-mate from his Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s turned out to be a clever addition, which has added a steeliness to the defence and paid off in spades.
Sources say that Heinze, who has managed five teams, is well-respected by the players, but is also seen as someone who does not mince his words. They know he’s not here to mess around.
