Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Review: From Stalemate to Stunner – Liverpool’s Title Defence Gains Momentum! | OneFootball

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal

Dominik Szoboszlai, 83′

Anfield has witnessed countless iconic moments, but few crackle with both tension and symbolism like the one that decided this clash of early-season titans. With the clock ticking down and the champions straining for inspiration, Dominik Szoboszlai – a midfielder deputising at right-back – stepped forward from 30 yards, shaped his body, and unleashed a free kick of staggering beauty. The Hungarian’s strike dipped and swerved past David Raya as though guided, igniting The Kop and sinking Arsenal’s resistance in a contest that had been defined by caution, discipline, and fear of error.

This was no ordinary league fixture. It was a collision between the Premier League’s only two sides with perfect records intact, a test of nerve and ambition, and perhaps a glimpse into the title race still in its infancy. For long stretches, it resembled a tactical arm-wrestle: Arsenal pressing with controlled aggression, Liverpool struggling to break free, chances scarce, and the atmosphere taut with anticipation. But as so often at Anfield, one extraordinary act broke the deadlock, delivered the drama, and reminded the league that champions find a way.

At Anfield, a clash between two title contenders was settled by a single, devastating moment of brilliance. Dominik Szoboszlai, deputising at right-back, curled a 30-yard free-kick past David Raya in the 83rd minute to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Arsenal. It was a contest where pragmatism and caution ruled for long stretches, but the Hungarian’s strike not only preserved Liverpool’s perfect start to the season, it also sent a message to the rest of the league: the champions remain ruthless, resourceful, and relentless.

With Manchester City beaten earlier in the day at Brighton, Arne Slot’s side have now carved out early daylight in the title race, while Mikel Arteta is left to reflect on another fruitless trip to Anfield – Arsenal’s winless league run there stretching back to 2012.

Match Summary and Tactical Review

This meeting of the Premier League’s only 100% records was framed by mutual respect and the spectre of defeat. Arteta’s line-up signalled restraint: Mikel Merino was preferred over an unfit Martin Ødegaard, and new signing Eberechi Eze was only trusted from the bench after 70 minutes. The approach was clear – be compact, deny space, and make Liverpool play under pressure.

Arsenal’s Early Shape and Press

In the opening phase, Arsenal sought to suffocate Liverpool’s build-up with an aggressive press. Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi anchored midfield, while Noni Madueke targeted Milos Kerkez down Liverpool’s left, stretching the game vertically. Twice Madueke burst into dangerous positions, only for Kerkez to recover with last-ditch tackles. Arsenal had the better of territory and composure in the first half, but their final-third play lacked incision.

The early injury to William Saliba was a significant blow, forcing Cristhian Mosquera into action and disrupting defensive rhythm. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s back line held together, aided by Gabriel’s aerial presence and Riccardo Calafiori’s willingness to push forward.

Liverpool’s Caution, Then Adjustment

Slot’s side initially looked unsettled. Alisson’s distribution was shaky, and Arsenal’s press pinned back Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, starting together for the first time this season. Virgil van Dijk spurned a big chance on 34 minutes after robbing Zubimendi high up the pitch, choosing to square for Salah instead of shooting.

But after the interval, Liverpool’s positional play improved. Gravenberch drove play from deep, and Szoboszlai, nominally at right-back, began stepping inside to initiate attacks. Florian Wirtz tested Raya with a low drive that the goalkeeper spilt into Cody Gakpo’s path – only for the flag to rule the follow-up out.

The Decisive Moment

As the game tilted towards a stalemate, Arteta introduced Ødegaard and Eze to steady Arsenal’s possession. Yet their priority remained containment. Liverpool, by contrast, kept probing, and their reward arrived when Zubimendi fouled Curtis Jones 30 yards from goal.

Szoboszlai, who had already impressed defensively against Martinelli and Eze, seized the moment. His strike, dipping viciously and swerving late, flew beyond Raya’s grasp and into the far corner. It was a finish of the highest order – a technical execution that rekindled memories of Anfield’s long line of set-piece specialists.

From there, Liverpool’s defensive organisation, even with Konaté forced off late, saw them through. Arsenal’s belated urgency came too late to salvage anything.

Tactical Verdict

This was not a spectacle of expansive football but of margins and mentality. Arteta’s game plan of solidity and patience looked effective until undone by a set piece. Arsenal’s conservative approach – Ødegaard and Eze held back until the final 20 minutes – restricted their threat, with Gyökeres isolated and Martinelli ineffective.

Slot, meanwhile, showed adaptability. His side absorbed pressure, adjusted midfield structure after the break, and found a match-winner from an unlikely source. That resilience, coupled with their flawless record, reinforces Liverpool’s credentials as the side to beat.

Player Ratings

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Alisson – 6

Saved well from Madueke but distribution was inconsistent. Largely untroubled otherwise.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.5 (MOTM)

Match-winner with a stunning free kick. Also defended stoutly against Martinelli and later Eze while supporting attacks.

Ibrahima Konaté – 7.5

Physical dominance over Gyökeres. Much improved after a shaky start to the season, though injury late on is a concern.

Virgil van Dijk – 7.5

Defensively reliable, though should have shot rather than passed when pressing high created a chance.

Milos Kerkez – 7

Stood up well to Madueke’s pace, making key interventions. More assured than in previous outings.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7

Influential in both phases. Broke up play and transitioned Liverpool forward with composure.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5.5

Looked short of sharpness after returning from injury. Substituted after an hour.

Mohamed Salah – 6

Struggled to impact the game. His threat was well contained by Arsenal’s structure.

Florian Wirtz – 5.5

Showed flashes of quality but not yet dictating play in red.

Cody Gakpo – 5.5

Anonymous for large spells. Thought he’d won a penalty, but offside nullified it.

Hugo Ekitike – 6

Energetic, pressed hard, and offered more than Gyökeres, though still searching for a breakthrough goal.

Curtis Jones – 7 (added energy, won the free-kick for the winner)

Federico Chiesa – 6.5 (late cameo)

Joe Gomez – 6 (helped close out the game)

Wataru Endo – N/A

Manager: Arne Slot – 7.5

Brave not to settle for the draw. Adjusted the midfield and trusted Szoboszlai in an unfamiliar role with match-winning results.

Arsenal (4-3-3)

David Raya – 5.5

Unconvincing. Nearly punished for errors in distribution and spilt Wirtz’s shot before offside spared him.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Defensively solid and progressive in possession.

William Saliba – N/A

Forced off injured early. His absence hurt Arsenal’s stability.

Gabriel – 6.5

Battled strongly in the air. Reliable when covering.

Riccardo Calafiori – 6.5

Showed intent going forward and defended with discipline.

Mikel Merino – 6

Physical presence but lacked attacking influence.

Martín Zubimendi – 6

Disciplined screening role, though gave away the foul that led to the winner.

Declan Rice – 5.5

Worked tirelessly but was poor on set pieces. Couldn’t impose himself higher up.

Noni Madueke – 7.5

Arsenal’s brightest attacker. Direct and dangerous, though without an end product.

Viktor Gyökeres – 6

Battled gamely but isolated. Limited service.

Gabriel Martinelli – 4.5

Ineffective, poor decision-making. Failed to capitalise on early openings.

Substitutes:

Cristhian Mosquera – 7 (composed after early introduction)

Martin Ødegaard – 6 (neat touches but little impact)

Eberechi Eze – 6.5 (showed flashes of flair late on)

Max Dowman – N/A

Manager: Mikel Arteta – 6.5

Set up solidly and executed much of his plan, but conservative changes and lack of ambition cost Arsenal a point.

Man of the Match

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) – Not just for his sublime winning free kick, but also for his discipline and adaptability in an unfamiliar right-back role. His performance embodied Liverpool’s resilience and versatility.

Conclusion

In the end, one swing of Dominik Szoboszlai’s right foot told the story of a match that was balanced on a knife-edge. Arsenal had come to Anfield with resolve and structure, determined not to lose ground in the title race. For seventy minutes they succeeded, pressing with purpose, stifling Liverpool’s rhythm, and looking every bit the evolved, hardened side Mikel Arteta has been crafting. But football at Anfield is never simply about control; it is about seizing moments, and Liverpool seized theirs.

Szoboszlai’s free kick was not just a goal; it was a statement – a thunderclap that announced Liverpool’s refusal to loosen their grip on the Premier League crown. It carried echoes of past title-defining strikes, the kind that tilt momentum and shape narratives. Arsenal, once again, departed this stadium with regret, still searching for a league win here since 2012, their early-season promise punctured by a lapse of ambition when boldness might have tilted the story their way.

For Arne Slot’s champions, however, this victory means more than three points. With Manchester City slipping earlier at Brighton, daylight has opened in the table. The performance may not have been flawless, but the intent was unmistakable: Liverpool remain ruthless, relentless, and resourceful.

For Liverpool, this was the type of win that defines champions: hard-fought, disciplined, and decided by individual brilliance. Three games, three wins, and with rivals faltering, Arne Slot’s side enter the international break with momentum and authority.

For Arsenal, the result underlines the challenge that remains. They were organised, combative, and competitive but lacked the ambition to truly seize control. Their Anfield drought continues, and Arteta will know that, against the very best, pragmatism alone will not be enough.

Liverpool march on, perfect and ominous, while Arsenal depart Anfield with lessons learnt but points dropped. The title race is young, but statements have already been made.

And so, as the international break begins, the message resonates far beyond Anfield’s floodlights: challengers may circle, but to wrestle the crown away from Liverpool