Szoboszlai’s Stunning Free-Kick Seals Liverpool’s Late Victory Over Arsenal in Title Race Statement
LIVERPOOL – A moment of pure brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai broke Arsenal’s resilient resistance, as the Hungarian midfielder curled in a spectacular 80th-minute free-kick to hand Liverpool a 1-0 victory in an early-season heavyweight clash at Anfield.
The win extends the defending champions’ perfect start to the new Premier League season and ends a six-match unbeaten run for the Gunners in this fixture, handing them their first defeat and first conceded goal of the campaign.
The match began in worrying fashion for the visitors, as key defender William Saliba was forced off with an injury after just five minutes. Despite the setback, Arsenal settled and created the first major chance of the game, with Noni Madueke forcing a smart save from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The first half was a tactical and measured affair, with both sides probing cautiously. Liverpool’s best opening came from a rare error by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, whose misplaced pass was intercepted by Virgil van Dijk, though the chance came to nothing. Arsenal, renowned for their threat from set-pieces, saw several corners well defended by a disciplined Liverpool back line.
The game opened up after the break, with Madueke continuing to be a lively threat on the right wing. The biggest moment before the goal came on the hour mark, when Liverpool thought they had broken the deadlock. Hugo Ekitike was quickest to react after Raya parried a Florian Wirtz strike, but the linesman’s flag correctly ruled the effort out for offside.
In search of a winner, Arsenal introduced new signing Eberechi Eze and captain Martin Ødegaard from the bench. However, it was Liverpool who found the decisive quality. Szoboszlai, standing over a free-kick just outside the box, produced an exquisite strike that bent beyond Raya’s despairing dive and into the net.
The late strike sets a new club record for Liverpool, scoring in their 37th consecutive Premier League match. For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, a creditable performance away at the champions ultimately yields no points, seeing them lose early ground in what promises to be another fiercely contested title race.