Anfield witnessed a moment of pure magic as Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular free-kick secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Liverpool against Arsenal in a pulsating Premier League encounter. The win ensured Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season and sent them top of the table heading into the international break.
The match, billed as a clash between last season's top two, lived up to its expectations with both sides displaying tactical discipline and attacking intent. However, clear-cut chances were few and far between as both defenses stood firm. Arsenal, missing the influential Bukayo Saka through injury and losing William Saliba early on, showed resilience and organization.
Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages, probing for openings in the Arsenal defense. However, the Gunners remained compact and disciplined, denying the Reds' forward line any space to operate. The first half was a cagey affair, with Noni Madueke's volley, which forced a save from Alisson, being the only real moment of note.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Liverpool pressing and Arsenal defending resolutely. Hugo Ekitike thought he had broken the deadlock for Arsenal, but his effort was ruled out for offside, Cody Gakpo deemed to be interfering with play. As the game wore on, both managers shuffled their packs, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to find a breakthrough.
With just seven minutes remaining, the game was seemingly headed for a stalemate. However, Szoboszlai had other ideas. After Arsenal conceded a free-kick 32 yards from goal, the Hungarian stepped up and unleashed an unstoppable shot that curled past David Raya and into the top corner. The Anfield crowd erupted as Liverpool finally broke the deadlock in stunning fashion.
Arsenal, reeling from the late setback, threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Eberechi Eze, making his debut for the Gunners, tried to ignite a fightback, but Liverpool's defense stood firm, repelling Arsenal's late attacks.
The final whistle blew to confirm a vital win for Liverpool, who extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League and sent a strong message to their title rivals. For Arsenal, it was a disappointing end to a battling performance, but they will take heart from their defensive resilience and the knowledge that they can compete with the best.
Szoboszlai's stunning strike not only secured three points for Liverpool but also provided a moment of magic that will be replayed for years to come. It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and it underlined the Hungarian's growing influence at Anfield. The goal prompted reaction on social media:
Data Debrief: Szoboszlai provides late heroics
Liverpool’s first two Premier League games – against Bournemouth and Newcastle United – were settled by late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha. On Sunday, Szoboszlai’s 83rd-minute wondergoal settled a tense encounter, which saw both teams combine for a mere 1.0 expected goals (xG, Liverpool 0.45, Arsenal 0.55).
At 32.2 yards out, Szoboszlai’s winner came from a greater distance than any other Premier League goal this season, while it was also Liverpool’s latest winning goal from a direct free-kick in the competition since August 2007 (Steven Gerrard versus Aston Villa, 87th minute).
Szoboszlai became the 17th different player to score a direct free-kick goal for Liverpool in the Premier League, and the first player other than Philippe Coutinho or Trent Alexander-Arnold to do so since February 2016, when James Milner did so against Aston Villa.
Liverpool have now scored in 37 successive Premier League matches dating back to September 2024 – their best-ever run in the competition.
