In a clash between last season’s top two Premier League teams, defending champions Liverpool secured a late 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The win marks Liverpool’s continued 100% start to the season and ends Arsenal’s unbeaten run, handing the Gunners their first Premier League defeat to Liverpool in six head-to-head meetings.
The visitors endured a challenging start when defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury just five minutes into the match. Despite this setback, Arsenal looked composed and created the first clear chance of the game, with Noni Madueke forcing a sharp save from Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
Following a conservative opening half-hour, a rare mistake from Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya saw Virgil van Dijk seize possession high up the pitch, but the opportunity was quickly snuffed out by the Gunners’ defense. Arsenal, a side renowned for their prowess from set pieces, failed to convert any of their numerous corners as a well-organized Liverpool backline held firm, sending the two sides into the break locked at 0-0.
The second half began with both teams pushing for a breakthrough. Liverpool thought they had found it on the hour mark when Hugo Ekitike bundled the ball over the line after a parried shot from Florian Wirtz, only for the goal to be correctly disallowed for offside. Arsenal responded with a double substitution, introducing debutant Eberechi Eze and captain Martin Odegaard, but neither could tip the balance in their side’s favour.
With the match seemingly heading for a stalemate, Szoboszlai stepped up to a free-kick just outside the box in the final ten minutes. The midfielder curled a magnificent strike over the wall and beyond the reach of the outstretched Raya, securing all three points for the Reds. The late goal sets a new club record for Liverpool, who have now scored in 37 consecutive Premier League games.
Despite a solid and disciplined away performance, Arsenal were left with nothing to show for their efforts, losing ground to their title rivals at this early stage of the season. The defeat marks a significant moment in the young campaign, highlighting the fine margins that could define the title race.
