Shearer, Walcott Hail Arsenal’s Defensive Masterclass At Anfield

Alan Shearer and Theo Walcott have praised Arsenal’s defensive organisation and collective commitment after Mikel Arteta’s side kept Liverpool at bay to secure a landmark 1-0 Premier League victory at Anfield.

Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute strike proved decisive as Arsenal ended a 13-match league winless run at the stadium, recording their first Premier League victory there since 2012 and moving three points clear at the top of the table.

Liverpool enjoyed periods of pressure, particularly in the second half, but failed to register a shot on target as Arsenal defended resolutely to protect their advantage.

Former England striker Shearer was particularly impressed by the Gunners’ commitment to defending as a unit, insisting every player contributed to their clean sheet.

‘That is how you work as a team. That is how you defend as a team. Every single one of them to a man were outstanding,’ Shearer said.

‘When they were under the cosh in the second half, you could see how much they wanted to defend and what it means to them to keep a clean sheet.

‘I don’t think there is a better team in world football that defend quite like Arsenal defend. Every player does their bit, it isn’t just the back four.’

Former Arsenal forward Walcott also highlighted the team’s willingness to work without the ball, contrasting their current approach with the more attack-minded sides he played in during his time at the club.

‘Arsenal frustrated them. To limit Liverpool to no shots on target shows the level of this team. They just love defending, don’t they? I felt like they don’t mind that pressure. These are champions who can do a bit of everything. They are going to be difficult to stop this year,’ Walcott said.

He added: ‘I look at Arsenal’s forward players and at no point do they get frustrated working for the team. That is different to many years ago. I remember the Arsenal teams I played in and we always wanted to attack. Now they are happy to work for the team.

‘To win championships, you have to keep clean sheets, and that starts from the front. There are no players switching off, or giving up.’

While Arsenal’s defensive performance attracted praise, former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman felt the home side had done enough in general play to get something from the contest but lacked the finishing touch.

‘They were the better team today, but they’ve walked off losing without a shot on target. They should’ve scored. The Mac Allister header, he has to score that,’ McManaman said.

‘Suddenly, at a time when Liverpool were very dominant in that first half, that’s when they needed the goal. It would’ve exploded the stadium. In the second half they had lots of possession, their effort and work rate and enthusiasm was all there. They were just missing that little bit of magic.’