Dominik Szoboszlai’s spectacular free-kick handed Liverpool a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, keeping the champions’ perfect start to the Premier League season intact.
In a tense clash between two title favourites, it took until the 83rd minute for the breakthrough.
Szoboszlai stepped up and curled home a stunning strike, giving Arne Slot’s side their third consecutive late winner of the campaign after edging past Bournemouth and Newcastle in similar fashion.
The result means Liverpool remain the only side with a 100% record from the opening three games, underlining their status as the team to beat despite an evolving squad.
Arsenal, who arrived without injured stars Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, also lost William Saliba early to injury, forcing Spanish youngster Christhian Mosquera into action.
Noni Madueke, making his debut on the right flank, proved the Gunners’ liveliest threat but lacked the final touch, while Viktor Gyokeres was well contained by Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool’s attack, featuring Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, struggled for rhythm for much of the contest. They thought they had extended their lead on the hour when Gakpo bundled the ball in after a fumble from David Raya, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite the nervy display, Szoboszlai’s moment of brilliance ensured Slot’s men maintained momentum ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Palace defender Marc Guehi still linked with moves to Anfield.
For Arsenal, it was a frustrating evening as Mikel Arteta’s £250m summer rebuild stumbled against their fiercest title rivals, leaving the Gunners still chasing their first Premier League crown since 2004.
