Arsenal reaffirms status with win over Liverpool to move into first place

Liverpool, England – If Arsenal’s title rivals thought its humbling penalty shootout defeat against fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the League Cup might have shaken the confidence of Mikel Arteta’s side, Sunday’s gritty 1-0 win at Liverpool was sobering viewing. Being knocked out by a team 84 rungs lower on the ladder was not the best way for Arteta’s Premier League champion to prepare for a trip to Anfield, especially with Andoni Iraola’s team beginning to click. Four days later, however, Arsenal’s armor-plating looked fully restored as it held Liverpool at bay and sealed its first league win at Anfield in 14 years to move three points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.