Liverpool edged Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield in a tense Premier League clash settled by a moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai.
The game began in dramatic fashion for the visitors as Arsenal lost William Saliba to injury after just five minutes, forcing Mikel Arteta to turn to summer signing Cristhian Mosquera. Both sides showed plenty of respect in the opening half, which produced few chances and little attacking rhythm. Hugo Ekitike thought he had broken the deadlock when he bundled the ball home shortly after the restart, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool gradually built pressure as the second half wore on, with David Raya forced into action several times. Arsenal, meanwhile, looked to spark life into their attack with the introductions of Martin Ødegaard and debutant Eberechi Eze, but the Gunners struggled to test Alisson beyond half-chances and set pieces.
The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute. Awarded a free kick from 30 yards, Szoboszlai stepped up and hit a spectacular strike into the top corner, sending the Kop into raptures. Arsenal pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Liverpool’s defence held firm despite the loss of Ibrahima Konaté to injury.
The victory maintains Liverpool’s perfect start to the season, lifting them to the top of the table heading into the international break. Arsenal, in contrast, will be left to regroup after their first defeat and will anxiously await news on Saliba’s fitness.
