A stunning late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai earned Liverpool a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, keeping the Reds perfect in their Premier League start.
Liverpool continued their perfect start to the Premier League campaign with a dramatic 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield, courtesy of a breathtaking late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder struck in the 83rd minute. Curling the ball beyond David Raya to break Arsenal’s unbeaten run and cement Liverpool’s status as early-season favourites.
Anfield Awaits a Breakthrough
The highly anticipated clash between last season’s champions and challengers began at an intense pace but lacked cutting edge. Both sides looked cautious, aware of the implications of an early-season defeat in the title race. Arsenal were forced into an early setback when William Saliba limped off in the fifth minute. Replaced by youngster Christhian Mosquera, who surprisingly held his own despite limited Premier League experience.
Meanwhile, Liverpool struggled to find fluidity in attack. Manager Arne Slot fielded an ambitious front four — Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and club-record signing Florian Wirtz. But the combination often lacked cohesion. Arsenal’s reshuffled defence remained largely untroubled in the opening exchanges.
Arsenal Threat Blunted
Arsenal entered the match without injured stars Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. Leaving new signing Noni Madueke to deputise on the right wing. While fans had been sceptical about his £48.5 million move from Chelsea, Madueke was arguably Arsenal’s most dangerous player on the day. His pace repeatedly exposed Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez, though his finishing touch deserted him.
The Gunners’ other new recruit, Viktor Gyökeres, struggled to impose himself. Up against the towering Virgil van Dijk, the Swedish striker rarely found space and offered little evidence that he could replicate his prolific Sporting Lisbon form in England.
Drama Builds in the Second Half
The second half followed the same cagey rhythm, with chances at a premium. The match sparked to life around the hour mark when Liverpool thought they had finally broken the deadlock. Raya spilled a shot from Wirtz and then fouled Gakpo before Ekitike bundled the ball into the net. However, VAR ruled Gakpo narrowly offside in the buildup, keeping the score level.
That moment ignited the Anfield crowd, who roared their side forward in search of a late winner. Arsenal, who had not conceded a goal this season, were visibly shaken but remained disciplined.
Szoboszlai’s Moment of Magic
With time running out, Liverpool’s persistence paid off. Awarded a free-kick just outside the box, Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and delivered a spectacular strike that dipped over the wall and kissed the inside of the post before nestling into the net. Raya could only watch as Anfield erupted in celebration.
The goal highlighted Liverpool’s growing knack for late winners, following similar last-gasp victories against Bournemouth and Newcastle in recent weeks.
Arsenal’s Late Push Denied
Desperate to salvage a point, Arsenal pressed forward in the final minutes. They appealed for a penalty after Joe Gomez’s challenge on Eberechi Eze, but the referee waved play on. Despite their late surge, Arsenal could not breach Liverpool’s defence, as Slot’s men held firm to claim their first clean sheet of the season.
Implications for the Title Race
The result carries weight far beyond three points. Liverpool’s victory ensures they remain the only Premier League team with a perfect record after three matches, sending a strong message to rivals. Despite being labelled a “work in progress” after summer squad changes, they once again showed their ability to deliver decisive moments when it matters most.
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For Arsenal, the loss will sting. Arteta’s men invested heavily in the transfer market — over £250 million in reinforcements — but their attack lacked bite without Saka and Havertz. The performance of new arrivals Gyökeres and Madueke will continue to be scrutinized, particularly after this test against one of their biggest rivals.
As the transfer window edges towards its conclusion, Liverpool could become even stronger with potential moves for Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi, while Arsenal must quickly regroup to avoid losing ground in the early title chase.
