Mikel Arteta reacts to shock Liverpool stat from Arsenal win amid Andoni Iraola verdict

The Gunners restricted their hosts to no shots on target at Anfield to claim a first victory on Merseyside in 14 years, as Kai Havertz’s strike was enough to secure all three points.

It was the first time that Liverpool had not registered a shot on target at home since Opta records began in 2003.

Big win: Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal, however, survived those scares and rode their luck to sneak out with the points that takes them top of the Premier League table.

Arteta was full of praise for his compatriot and opposite number after the match.

“I want to give credit to Liverpool, the manner that they played, the way they are set up,” he said. “To Andoni and what they're doing because they are a top side, and it's very difficult.

“That's why I think winning here deserves even more credit. I didn't know about that stat, but that's incredible.

“It didn't feel like this to be fair on the pitch because there were very little margins sometimes when they had the opportunity to shoot, and it's a team that shoots a lot. So you have to be so good at blocking shots and preventing those spaces for them to get into there.”

Next up, the champions face a Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.