Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal: Szoboszlai’s Late Screamer Lights Up Anfield
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Competition: 2025–26 Premier League
Match Overview
In an early statement of intent for the new Premier League season, Liverpool narrowly edged out Arsenal 1–0 at Anfield, courtesy of an extraordinary free-kick by Dominik Szoboszlai in the 83rd minute. The win keeps Liverpool perfect on the season, flying out of the blocks with three wins from three. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain competitive but drop points in pursuit of the title.
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First Half: Tight and Tame
The game threatened to become a drab encounter—Liverpool in an unfamiliar groove and Arsenal struggling to carve out clear-cut opportunities. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo both tested the waters, the latter rattling a 25-yard strike just off target. Noni Madueke, however, was the standout attacking force for Arsenal, earning several corners and forcing goalkeeper Alisson into a sharp save.
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A momentary lapse could have gifted Liverpool the lead—David Raya’s underhit pass was intercepted by Virgil van Dijk, albeit without a finishing touch from Salah. Arsenal had their own half chance through Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
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Second Half: Rising Tension
Liverpool began the second stanza more assertively, but creativity remained sparse. That was until late drama struck. After Ibrahima Konaté exited through injury, the breakthrough came from set piece mastery. Martín Zubimendi’s foul on Curtis Jones 30 yards out set the stage for magic, and Szoboszlai delivered with a stunning curling free-kick that nestled neatly into the top-left corner.
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Arsenal’s final push—including appeals for a penalty and a blocked Wirtz move—proved fruitless, sealing Liverpool’s third straight win and bolstering their early title challenge.
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Key Moments to Remember
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The Decisive Moment: Dominik Szoboszlai’s breathtaking free-kick (83') from 30+ yards out.
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Arsenal’s Bright Spark: Noni Madueke posed a constant threat; forced a crucial save from Alisson.
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Defensive Blow: William Saliba departed early due to injury, compounded by Konaté’s later issue, hampering both sides.
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Tactical Shake-Up: Szoboszlai played from right-back; Arteta introduced Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard late on to try to ignite Arsenal.
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What It Means for the Season
| Team | Form | Points | Position (now) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 3–0–0 | 9 pts | 1st |
| Arsenal | 2–0–1 | 6 pts | 3rd |
| ESPN.com+1 |
Nice momentum for Liverpool, who look firmly in title-contender form. Arsenal, meanwhile, must regroup quickly—especially if Saliba’s injury proves serious.
Final Thoughts
This fixture lived up to expectations when it was most needed—delivering drama and a moment of sheer brilliance. Szoboszlai’s free-kick will be replayed for years at Anfield, while Arsenal will rue missed chances and defensive fragility. As the international break looms, both sides will reflect on how they can build—or rebound—from this result.