Dominik Szoboszlai’s magnificent free-kick secured Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Arsenal, marking their first triumph in Sunday’s clash between Premier League title contenders.
An intense encounter at Anfield seemed destined for a draw until the Hungarian’s 83rd-minute goal ensured the defending champions maintained their flawless start with three consecutive wins.
In all their matches, Arne Slot’s squad has clinched late victories, also defeating Bournemouth and Newcastle in thrilling fashion.
Though Liverpool is still evolving after a roster overhaul from last season’s title-winning team, they’re still the side to beat due to their wealth of attacking prowess capable of game-changing moments like Szoboszlai’s.
By the end of the transfer window on Monday, Liverpool could become even stronger with potential additions like Newcastle’s unsettled forward Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to strengthen their defense.
Arsenal has heavily invested over £250 million ($338 million) in new signings to challenge the Reds and aim for their first Premier League title since 2004.
The visitors were hindered by the absences of injured Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.
Viktor Gyokeres struggled to dispel doubts about his ability to transition from a successful stint at Sporting Lisbon to the Premier League, as he was easily contained by Virgil van Dijk.
Adding to Arsenal’s injury troubles, William Saliba left the field within five minutes, replaced by Christhian Mosquera.
The Spanish under-21 international, yet to start in the Premier League, wasn’t heavily challenged as Liverpool’s revamped attack took time to find their rhythm.
Despite defensive concerns this season, Slot deployed a formidable front four of Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike.
Arsenal’s acquisition of Noni Madueke wasn’t warmly received by fans, who even initiated a petition to block the England international’s £48.5 million transfer from Chelsea.
Filling in for Saka on the right wing, Madueke emerged as Arsenal’s most significant threat.
Milos Kerkez, off to a rocky start with Liverpool, struggled against Madueke’s speed but lacked finishing precision.
A desperate challenge from Kerkez deflected Madueke’s strike over the crossbar in the first half’s best chance.
The second half mirrored the tentative first, with both teams cautious of an early setback in the title race.
Liverpool found the net at the hour mark, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
David Raya was relieved after failing to secure Wirtz’s shot, tripping Gakpo, before Ekitike bundled the ball in, only for Gakpo to be offside before the rebound.
This moment at least energized the Anfield crowd, spurring Liverpool on to press for a late winner.
Arsenal, yet to concede this season, was finally breached by Szoboszlai’s exquisite free-kick that curled perfectly off Raya’s right-hand post.
Arsenal’s penalty appeal for Joe Gomez’s challenge on Eberechi Eze was dismissed as they sought an equalizer.
Liverpool held firm to secure their first clean sheet of the season and deliver an early psychological edge in the title race.
