Jamie Carragher makes bold new Arsenal claim after Liverpool masterclass

Kai Havertz slotted in the only goal of a heavyweight clash on Merseyside in the 16th minute after superb work from midfield duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but the three points owed much to Arsenal’s efforts at the other end of the pitch.

Despite the Reds dominating most of the match after falling behind and registering a total of 33 crosses and 17 shots, they failed to produce a single effort on target.

It was the first time that has happened to them in a league game at Anfield since records began in 2003 - a run of 442 consecutive home top-flight matches.

“This Arsenal team are the best defensive team not just in the Premier League, but I think in world football right now,” Liverpool legend Carragher said in his role as a pundit on Monday Night Football for Sky Sports.

Rock solid: Ezri Konsa and Gabriel led Arsenal’s defensive efforts against Liverpool

AFP/Getty

Much of the praise for Arsenal’s winning goal against Liverpool has gone to Rice for his driving run and perfect delivery for Havertz to sweep home from close range at the back post, but Carragher gave special plaudits to Odegaard for leading a suffocating press that saw the hosts quickly cough up possession in their own half following a short goal kick - which has been a notable problem area in recent weeks.

“I don’t know if the plan was for [Alexis] Mac Allister to stay high and allow [Jeremy] Jacquet to step in, but it is brilliant from Odegaard, you have to say that,” Carragher said.

“Great press from [Christos] Tzolis and Odegaard is really brave. He’s almost quicker to the ball than Mac Allister is but again, that’s something only the Liverpool team know. It’s a fantastic ball from Declan Rice.

“It’s poor from Liverpool, but brilliant from Arsenal. The plan would always have been that when the ball goes into Mac Allister, Odegaard it’s your job to get after him.

“The way we saw Fulham do it, the way we saw Brighton do it. It was just that they won the ball in a different part of the pitch.”