Arsenal had not won at Anfield since 2012, when current head coach Arteta was still playing in the Gunners' midfield. Now, that wait is finally over.
Winning at Anfield is rare for any visiting side, and especially for Arsenal. But Arteta's team was ruthless in both attack and defense. This was not only a tactical victory for the coach but also a demonstration of the team's championship mentality.
The Spaniard smiled and said, "I like it when we do something we haven't done in many years." He also called the players' defensive performance "outstanding." If Arteta wanted to make a statement, he certainly did.
Despite being pinned back for long spells, the visitors did not allow the home side a single shot on target. It was the first time on record that Liverpool failed to register a shot on target at home.
Midfielder Rice said, "In the end, it was that backline, our cooperation with each other, and the cohesion we had that made it impossible for the opponents to get through. It's something I've never seen before." After nine league rounds, Arsenal's title challenge is well underway.
Jamie Carragher was equally impressed by Arsenal's resilience: "To withstand so much pressure at Anfield and not concede a single shot on target is outstanding. And for Liverpool, after spending so much money on attacking players, still not to create a clear chance is remarkable.
"When you think about Arsenal winning titles, especially in 1989 and 1991 with Tony Adams and that famous backline, I think we are getting close to putting this backline in the same conversation."
Gary Neville called the match a "defensive masterclass" and compared Arsenal's approach to the compact, disciplined style of Mourinho's teams.
Arsenal also won 18 fouls, with Timber, Ødegaard, and Madueke each winning 3. The team used this tactic to curb Liverpool's momentum. Konsa won all 8 of his duels.
This commitment and fighting spirit pleased Arteta the most, and he said it showed the team still had room for further subtle improvements.
Under Arteta, Arsenal have won 81% of their league matches when scoring first, proving to be masters at holding onto a lead. 1-0 victories remain their hallmark.
Since Arteta took charge, Arsenal have recorded 33 league wins by this scoreline, the most of any team.
He added, "This victory is not just about winning itself, but about the way we won, the spirit we showed, and how we wear this jersey and this badge. Every player, every action, is committed to that.
"That's the magic of football. It can take you to a very bad place, but four days later you have another great opportunity to make history, and we did."
While Jamie Carragher was impressed by Arsenal's overall performance on Super Sunday, he singled out Rice, calling him a "world-class" talent.
The midfielder delivered one of his most complete performances of the season so far, providing the assist for Havertz's winning goal and stabilizing the midfield like a peak Arteta.
When Liverpool pressed continuously, he was the shield Arsenal needed, making several crucial interceptions at key moments.
His 63 touches were the most of any Arsenal player. Jamie Carragher added, "He's one of the best midfielders in Arsenal's history.
"Arsenal have certainly had some great midfielders, but he's already right up there with the very best, even ahead of them. He's the best midfielder in the Premier League by a very wide margin, and there's no argument about it."