Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick and surprise right-back role seal vital win for Liverpool | OneFootball

Dominik Szoboszlai lit up Anfield with a moment of sheer brilliance as his spectacular free-kick gave Liverpool a hard-fought 1-0 win over Arsenal in the opening Premier League clash between the two title favourites.

The Hungarian international produced the decisive strike midway through the second half, curling the ball beyond David Raya and underlining why he has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s most feared set-piece specialists.

“It’s a lot of practice, especially in the last few weeks,” Szoboszlai explained afterwards. “We had a chance to practice because we had only one game in a week, and when we have two then we have to rest. I practiced my whole life and hopefully a couple of times it’s come out where I’ve had the practicing way. Hopefully the next goes in as well.”

Asked about the technique that left Raya with no chance, Szoboszlai admitted even he finds it difficult to put into words. “I can’t explain. It’s hard to explain. I just practised this shot for a long time and then it looks like that,” he said.

But the 23-year-old was not only the match-winner; he was also an emergency defender, manager Arne Slot turned to Szoboszlai to fill in at right-back amid injury and suspension issues.

“I never played there, maybe once in pre-season behind closed doors against Stoke,” Szoboszlai revealed. “Monday (against Newcastle) was the first time. It is always a long discussion between me and the gaffer. I play where he puts me, try to give my best, and help the team.”

His adaptability and work rate helped Liverpool keep Arsenal at bay, with the visitors limited largely to set-pieces despite enjoying spells of pressure.

And Szoboszlai stressed the importance of laying down an early marker in the title race by overcoming one of their main rivals.

“Arsenal are one of our competitors and before the break it’s always good to go away with a win,” he added. “Now everyone goes away and hopefully ready back for Burnley.”