In the third round of the Premier League, Liverpool defeated Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield. This victory had a significant impact on the title race, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free kick in the 82nd minute sealed the win.
With three consecutive victories, Liverpool now sits at the top of the league with 9 points, the only team to maintain a perfect record.
Arsenal Falls Behind Early
Right at the start, Arsenal found themselves in trouble. In just the 5th minute, defensive stalwart William Saliba picked up an injury while contesting a header and was forced off, with Mosquera coming on as his replacement. His absence destabilized Arsenal’s backline, leaving their defence less secure.
Chances at Both Ends in the First Half
Both sides created threatening opportunities in the first half but failed to find the net. In the 12th minute, Cody Gakpo cut inside from the left and fired a shot that went wide. Korczuk’s timely challenge stopped Noni Madueke’s breakthrough on the right in the 20th minute.
In the 32nd minute, Arsenal goalkeeper Raya’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Virgil van Dijk, but Florian Wirtz’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked.
Szoboszlai Strikes the Decisive Blow
The deadlock continued into the second half as both teams cancelled each other out. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Liverpool won a central free kick.
Szoboszlai stepped up and curled the ball brilliantly into the top corner, showcasing his superb technique. The goal was the decisive moment of the match.
Injuries Disrupt Both Sides
Injuries also marred the game. In the 77th minute, Ibrahima Konaté had to come off injured, with Joe Gomez replacing him.
Later, in the 89th minute, Arsenal’s Wirtz was also forced off. The spate of injuries disrupted both teams’ tactical plans and impacted the rhythm of the game.
Liverpool Show Patience and Tactical Discipline
Liverpool displayed patience in their attacking play, using constant passing and movement to probe Arsenal’s defense.
Despite failing to score from open play early on, Liverpool continued to apply pressure. Szoboszlai’s free-kick goal highlighted the effectiveness of their tactical execution, showcasing their strength on set pieces.
Arsenal’s Struggles Without Saliba
For Arsenal, the loss of Saliba left their defence vulnerable. While they did create some chances, their attacking play lacked fluidity.
Mosquera, who came on as an early substitute, needed time to adapt, and the result exposed defensive gaps. Despite making adjustments, Arsenal was unable to break through Liverpool’s defense.
Upcoming Fixtures
Next, Arsenal will host Nottingham Forest on Saturday, while Liverpool will travel to face Burnley on September 14.
