Can Szoboszlai's Stunner Secure Liverpool's Victory Over Arsenal?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the match-winning moment with a late free-kick.
- Arsenal struggled with key player absences, impacting their performance.
- The match showcased both teams’ fighting spirit in a tightly contested affair.
- Liverpool maintained a perfect record in the 2025/26 season.
- This match extends Liverpool's scoring streak to a club-record 37 matches.
Liverpool, Sep 1 (NationPress) Dominik Szoboszlai's remarkable late free-kick preserved Liverpool’s flawless start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, clinching a hard-earned 1-0 victory against title rivals Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
The encounter featured last season’s top two teams, both maintaining perfect records, and was always anticipated to be decided by narrow margins. The moment of magic came in the 83rd minute, as Szoboszlai unleashed a curling shot from over 30 yards, bending the ball past David Raya and into the net off the post, igniting ecstatic celebrations at the Kop end.
Arsenal entered the match with several key absences, including Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury and captain Martin Odegaard starting on the bench. Their situation worsened early on, as key defender William Saliba limped off after just five minutes and was substituted by Cristhian Mosquera. Despite these setbacks, Mikel Arteta's side managed to keep Liverpool at bay for large portions of the game.
The first half yielded few clear-cut chances, with both teams struggling for rhythm. Arsenal’s best chance came from a volley by Noni Madueke, which forced a sharp save from Alisson, while Virgil van Dijk chose to pass rather than shoot from a promising position.
Liverpool believed they had scored in the 60th minute when Hugo Ekitike found the net following a rebound from a Florian Wirtz attempt, only to have the goal disallowed for offside against Cody Gakpo.
Late substitute Eberechi Eze, making his Arsenal debut alongside Odegaard, impressed with a dynamic run into the Liverpool box, only to be thwarted by Joe Gomez.
Szoboszlai, deployed in an unusual right-back position, was exceptional throughout the match and ultimately provided the pivotal moment, extending Liverpool’s Premier League scoring streak to a club-record 37 consecutive matches.
Though Arne Slot’s squad has yet to reach their peak performance, they head into the international break leading the table with three wins from three matches. With potential signings like Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak on the horizon and a trip to Burnley coming up, the early indications are promising for the reigning champions.