Liverpool moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League after a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai goal sealed a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, August 31.
The Hungarian midfielder struck from a brilliant free-kick in the second half, ensuring the Reds continued their perfect start to the season.
Liverpool now have nine points from their three matches, while Arsenal have six from three. The Reds have thus begun a very good start to their Premier League campaign and remain the favourites to defend their title.
Arsenal Were the Dominant Team in the First Half
Arsenal were the better side in the first half despite missing Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard from the starting XI owing to injuries. To make matters worse for them, William Saliba picked up an injury in the first half and left the field.
Arsenal started the match with a 4-3-3, with Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice in midfield and Noni Madueke on the right flank instead of Saka.
In spite of the absentees, the Gunners dominated the first half. They attacked a lot through the flanks, with Riccardo Calafiori going into overlap frequently to combine with Gabriel Martinelli and put pressure on Szoboszlai, who played as Liverpool’s right-back.
Madueke remained a constant threat to Arsenal’s defence with his runs down the right flank and through the inside-right channel.
Both of Liverpool’s full-backs mostly stayed back in their own half during the first 45 minutes. Florian Wirtz had to fall back repeatedly in order to help the Reds’ double-pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister contend with the Gunners’ three-man midfield.
Liverpool’s primary tactic in the first half was to set Mohamed Salah free in the final third with passes played to him, and the Egyptian enjoyed a tasty battle with Calafiori.
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Liverpool Bounce Back Thanks to a Dominik Szoboszlai Goal
Arsenal were the better side in the first half, but the second half was all Liverpool, capped by a decisive Dominik Szoboszlai goal.
Szoboszlai frequently moved inside and made surging runs into the final third. He also combined well with Salah after the break.
Szoboszlai’s forward runs also meant that Liverpool often had numerical superiority in the middle third after the break.
Wirtz involved Cody Gakpo more often in the second half as well, with the latter exerting his presence. When Arne Slot replaced Mac Allister with Curtis Jones, the Reds had another man to carry the ball forward.
Liverpool dominated the second half and earned a lot of corners. Virgil van Dijk also helped their cause by making a few runs and playing a few balls forward. They earned a free-kick in the 80th minute, and Szoboszlai scored with a stunner from more than 30 yards out.
More Wins on the Way for the Reds?
Slot’s men will take on Burnley and Everton in their next two matches in the Premier League. Burnley have been promoted this season and should be an easy match for the English champions.
Everton are a good team under David Moyes, but Liverpool should still be able to win that match.
It is important for the Reds to win as many matches as possible early on in the season and collect a lot of valuable points.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 31.08.2025