Match Report: Dominik Szoboszlai Wonder Strike Sees Liverpool Beat Arsenal | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Arsenal in Premier League Battle at Anfield

Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a dramatic 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai struck seven minutes from time with a sublime free-kick, ensuring Arne Slot’s champions took maximum points into the international break.

For long spells it was a cagey encounter, two of England’s elite sizing each other up rather than throwing punches. Yet Liverpool, as they so often do, found a way to win. The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Szoboszlai curved a superb effort beyond David Raya and sparked wild celebrations in front of the Kop.

Arsenal had kept their new £60m signing Eberechi Eze on the bench until the second half, but his introduction could not turn the tide. Earlier they lost William Saliba to injury after just five minutes, with summer recruit Cristhian Mosquera thrown in at centre-back.

Liverpool also had a Hugo Ekitike strike ruled out for offside on the hour, a reminder that margins at this level are razor thin.

Liverpool Analysis: Champions Keep Setting the Standard

Three games played, three victories secured. Liverpool’s title defence under Slot is gathering momentum, although the side have yet to recapture the flowing football that carried them to the Premier League crown last season. That should concern rivals, Arsenal included.

The champions have already demonstrated resilience and patience. Late goals saw off Bournemouth and Newcastle United, and now a late Szoboszlai free-kick punished Arsenal. The habit of turning tight contests into victories is a hallmark of title-winning teams.

Liverpool also remain active in the transfer market, with Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace a potential defensive reinforcement and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak still linked. Strengthening a squad that is already top of the Premier League table shows intent.

Arsenal Analysis: Frustrations at Familiar Ground

For Arsenal, this fixture felt like an early test of their Premier League credentials. Mikel Arteta’s side left Anfield once more without reward, a place that continues to haunt them. They have now gone 13 league games without a win away to Liverpool, stretching back to 2012.

The Gunners were defensively strong, limiting Liverpool for much of the match, yet chances of their own were scarce. Noni Madueke forced a save from Alisson in the first half but new striker Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating afternoon against Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Eze’s cameo offered a glimpse of his creativity, but the impact came too late to alter the outcome. Arsenal will take encouragement from their organisation and discipline, yet ultimately it was another painful reminder of the gulf that still exists at Anfield.

What Lies Ahead

Liverpool return from the break with a trip to Burnley on 14 September, before opening their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. Arsenal host Nottingham Forest the day before, then begin their European journey away to Athletic Bilbao.

Both clubs remain central to the Premier League narrative, but this match underlined that Slot’s Liverpool continue to set the pace while Arsenal are left to reflect on another missed opportunity.