Exclusive: Liverpool Legend Praises ‘Moment of Brilliance’ in Win vs Arsenal | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Arsenal as Aldridge Praises Defensive Resilience

Liverpool’s impressive start to the Premier League season continued with a narrow but vital victory over Arsenal at Anfield. A stunning 32-yard free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai was the difference, keeping Arne Slot’s side at the top with three wins from three.

The champions had already beaten Bournemouth 4-2 and Newcastle 3-2 away from home. Arsenal arrived with confidence after victories against Manchester United and Leeds United, but left frustrated after being shut out in front of a passionate Anfield crowd.

Aldridge Reflects on the Contest

Liverpool legend John Aldridge spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the match with his usual honesty. He admitted the performance was far from fluent.“We weren’t great. We were better in the second half.”

He recognised Arsenal’s organisation under Mikel Arteta, noting how they aimed to silence the home crowd early on.“I think Arsenal’s game plan was really good without having a sting in their tail. Arteta knows Anfield and the atmosphere died down after the first 10 minutes and that’s what he wanted. Keep them quiet and try and nick a goal from a set-piece but they weren’t as much as a threat that I thought they would be.”

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Liverpool’s Defence Steps Up

What stood out most for Aldridge was Liverpool’s improved resilience at the back.“We defended really well for the first time and you have to against Arsenal because they’re a really good team with a lot of really good players.”

For a side that had looked shaky in earlier fixtures, keeping Arsenal out showed progress. The organisation and concentration were vital against one of the strongest attacking teams in the league.

A Moment of Brilliance Decides It

As the match wore on, the outcome felt destined to hinge on a mistake or a flash of genius. Aldridge summed it up neatly.“I said at half-time that the game would only be won by a mistake or a moment of brilliance and that’s exactly what happened.”

Szoboszlai’s strike was a reminder of Liverpool’s growing depth and match-winning quality. Under Slot, they have combined attacking flair with determination, already sending a message to the rest of the Premier League.

Arsenal Left Searching for Answers

For Arsenal, there were positives in the way they kept Liverpool contained for long spells. However, their lack of threat in the final third raised questions. If they are to keep pace in the title race, turning strong possession into meaningful chances must become their trademark.

Liverpool, meanwhile, march on with nine points from nine, setting the tone for another season where they look determined to defend their crown.