LIVERPOOL (REUTERS)

Champions Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of ​the Premier League with Kai Havertz's early goal securing a statement 1-0 victory ⁠over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

German ​striker Havertz tapped in from ​Declan ‌Rice's low cross ⁠in ​the 16th minute after Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker was caught out trying to play the ball out of ‌defence.

Liverpool responded strongly as halftime approached ‌with Florian Wirtz curling a free kick against the crossbar and ​Alexis Mac Allister heading a good chance over the bar.

Arsenal weathered the storm though and defended superbly to keep Liverpool ‌largely at arm's length ​after the break and seal their first Premier League win at Anfield for 14 years.

Mikel ​Arteta's side ‌replace ⁠Manchester ‌City at the ‌top with 24 points from nine games, with ⁠City on 21 after losing at ​home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Liverpool's second league defeat of the season left them nine points behind Arsenal in ​fifth place.