Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes were Arsenal's two standout performers in their heroic victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners moved three points clear at the summit of the Premier League by securing their first win at the famous ground on Merseyside since 2012, when goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla downed Brendan Rodgers' Reds. Kai Havertz was the match winner this time around, dispatching Rice's stunning low cross early on to give the Champions a lead to protect.
Protect it they did, as Mikel Arteta's men survived a 60-minute onslaught from the home team to seal their biggest win of the season so far.
With Manchester City losing at home to Brighton on Saturday afternoon, the Gunners knew they had an opportunity to move out in front at this early stage of the campaign, and Arteta will be delighted that his team capitalised, while he'll be even more ecstatic with the gritty nature of the performance.
Rice and Gabriel encapsulated this resoluteness, digging deep to produce outstanding defensive displays.
The former ran the show in the middle of the park, picking up loose balls, creating the goal and carrying Arsenal up the pitch when they were wilting. He made nine defensive contributions, while also completing ten line-breaking passes.
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Declan Rice's Statistics vs Liverpool
Minutes Played
Touches
Pass Accuracy
Tackles
Line-Breaking Passes
Defensive Contributions
Distance Covered
Meanwhile, Gabriel comfortably nullified the in-form Alexander Isak, using his imposing physicality to deal with every single cross Liverpool threw at his box. He won six duels, made three blocks and seven clearances.
These monstrous performances were integral to Arsenal's victory, but Arteta has come to expect these sorts of stoic displays from two of his key players on big occasions. Instead, the Spaniard is probably over the moon with a different player's showing, particularly in the context in which it came.
Christos Tzolis Made a Statement With Performance vs Liverpool
David Klein via Reuters
Before Sunday's game, Christos Tzolis hadn't played a minute of football since October 1st, when he lasted 18 minutes for Greece against the Netherlands in the Nations League.
An entire month out, yet Arteta entrusted the 24-year-old to start in one of the most intimidating atmospheres in English football, in one of the biggest games of the campaign. It was a risky play from the divisive tactician, but one that paid off.
The former Club Brugge man reportedly fought hard to make himself available for this match, accelerating his recovery from his hamstring injury to be a part of a historic victory for the Gunners.
In this context, it's remarkable what Tzolis was able to produce at Anfield. Not only was he a constant outlet for the Gunners, receiving passes in advanced areas that enabled Arteta's side to escape the Liverpool press, but he also made a lot out of the opportunities he had on the ball.
He was denied a goal by a sensational save from Alisson Becker, who clawed the ex-Norwich star's low shot round the post towards the end. He was also denied an assist by Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber, who conspired to mess up a chance at the back post that had been crafted by Tzolis' outstanding cross in the first half.
Christos Tzolis' Statistics vs Liverpool
Minutes Played
Touches
Chances Created
Shots
Touches in Opposition Box
Defensive Contributions
Recoveries
Crucially for Arteta, his new signing did his defensive work. He made six defensive contributions, including four recoveries and two clearances. He never left Riccardo Calafiori isolated against Cody Gakpo, relentlessly tracking back to double up on the Dutchman.
It was certainly an unpolished performance in certain aspects. He completed none of the three dribbles he attempted, and he was wasteful with his final ball on a handful of occasions.
However, to deliver such a competent, 8/10, display in such a difficult environment, without the benefit of having played regularly recently, should be applauded. Arteta will be chuffed that he urged his recruitment department to make this investment over the summer.
Alexis Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber (Liverpool vs Arsenal)
Alexis Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber (Liverpool vs Arsenal)
All statistics via FotMob - correct as of 01/11/2026