Key Takeaways:
- On Sunday, Liverpool extended their perfect Premier League start, defeating Arsenal 1:0 at Anfield
- Dominik Szoboszlai scored a remarkable free kick in the 83rd minute, handing Arsenal their first goal conceded this season
- The Gunners have not registered a win at Anfield since 2012
Match Analysis
Liverpool continued their flawless opening to the Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1:0 triumph over Arsenal at Anfield. The encounter, a replay of last season’s top-of-the-table rivalry, produced a fiercely contested affair. Arsenal, who had not conceded in the opening two matches, presented a sturdy challenge, with the first half providing few clear opportunities. The visitors initially looked marginally more threatening going forward, but after the interval, the hosts asserted their dominance on the pitch.
The breakthrough arrived late, as Dominik Szoboszlai produced a moment of individual brilliance from a set piece, netting from almost 30 metres in the 83rd minute. This exquisite strike ultimately proved decisive, with Arsenal unable to respond before the final whistle.
A special strike 🍿✨ pic.twitter.com/cDz12e23CF
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
Team News and Tactical Adjustments
Head coach Arne Slot made a single alteration to the Liverpool side that faced Newcastle, restoring Alexis Mac Allister to midfield in lieu of Curtis Jones. Dominik Szoboszlai retained his place at right back, while Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez were named among the substitutes, and Frimpong continued his recovery from injury.
For Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta implemented two changes: Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino started, stepping in for the injured Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, though the Norwegian was fit enough for the bench. New acquisition Eberechi Eze was also among the substitutes and made his debut after the interval.
Arsenal suffered an early setback when defensive anchor William Saliba sustained an injury and was replaced by recent signing Cristian Mosquera.
First Half: Evenly Matched with Few Opportunities
Liverpool controlled the early tempo, with their first opening falling to Gakpo in the 13th minute; his drive towards the near post, however, went wide. Arsenal struggled with distribution from the back in the initial stages and survived several mistakes without punishment.
As the half progressed, Arsenal settled into the contest, balancing possession. Madueke found space twice on the right flank, winning two corners through determined defending from Kerkez. Madueke came close to breaking the deadlock, but Alisson handled his effort confidently following a set piece. A risky giveaway by Raya in the 34th minute allowed Van Dijk to surge forward, only for the opportunity to dissipate after a poor final pass and Mac Allister’s blocked attempt. Gyokeres and Timber combined before being thwarted by the Liverpool rearguard, while Calaffiopri’s follow-up also met resistance from Van Dijk. The first period concluded with only one shot on target between both sides.
Second Half: Liverpool Assert and Szoboszlai Decides
Upon the restart, Liverpool increased their intensity, but initial efforts remained off target. Gravenberch blazed over from the edge of the area. In the 60th minute, Wirtz forced Raya into a save following good movement in the Arsenal box. Moments later, Ekitike found the net but his effort was disallowed as Gakpo, adjudged offside at the point of Wirtz’s strike, had influenced play—preventing both a goal and penalty appeal.
Arne Slot replaced Mac Allister with Jones, while Mikel Arteta responded with a double substitution, bringing Ødegaard and Eze on for Merino and Martinelli. Liverpool gradually ramped up the pressure, seeing shots from Salah and Wirtz blocked in quick succession.
Decisive Moment and Late Drama
In the 79th minute, Konaté was forced off with an injury, replaced by Joe Gomez, whilst Chiesa entered for Ekitike. The decisive moment arrived four minutes later, as Szoboszlai’s thunderous free kick from nearly 30 metres clipped the post and nestled in the net, leaving Raya with no chance.
Moments later, Eze penetrated the Liverpool defence with a fortuitous deflection but was denied a foul after going to ground easily. Arsenal mounted a concerted push in the closing stages but the Liverpool back line, previously porous with four goals conceded in two games, remained resolute. In stoppage time, there were appeals for handball after the ball struck Szoboszlai’s arm in the penalty area, but a VAR review dismissed the incident. Chiesa nearly doubled Liverpool’s advantage on a counterattack, yet his strike was deflected narrowly wide.
Line-up Summary and Substitutions
| Liverpool | Arsenal |
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Statistical Highlights
- Liverpool have secured three wins from three to begin their Premier League campaign
- Arsenal conceded their first goal of the season in this match
- The Gunners’ winless run at Anfield dates back to 2012
