A late moment of brilliance from Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the edge over Arsenal in a tense Premier League showdown at Anfield.
Liverpool edged Arsenal 1–0 at Anfield on August 31, 2025, thanks to a stunning 83rd-minute free kick by Dominik Szoboszlai that curled into the top corner—leaving goalkeeper David Raya grasping at thin air The Guardian+15Reuters+15The Guardian+15.
The first half was marked by tight defenses and cautious play, with both sides failing to create clear-cut chances. Arsenal’s challenges were compounded early on when William Saliba was forced off injured within the first five minutes, removing a defensive pillar Talksport+1.
Liverpool had another moment of fortune earlier when Hugo Ekitike thought he’d scored, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside in the buildup Aftonbladet+5Reuters+5NDTV Sports+5.
When Szoboszlai stepped up to take the free kick, he delivered a “world-class” strike—analysts called it one of the best free kicks of the season—sniping the ball past the wall and into the net to secure the three points VAVEL.com – Live Sports+2Reuters+2.
This result keeps Liverpool unbeaten with three wins from three, and puts them at the top of the Premier League standings early in the season The Guardian+13ESPN.com+13The Guardian+13.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s woes are lingering. Missing key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, and now Saliba, they were unable to convert their efforts into goals—a worrying sign given their ambitions The GuardianTalksport.
Quick Recap Table
| Key Moment | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Early Blow for Arsenal | William Saliba injured and taken off early. |
| Disallowed Goal Alert | Hugo Ekitike’s cue ruled offside. |
| Match-Winner | Szoboszlai’s 83rd-minute free kick. |
| Standings Impact | Liverpool rise top with perfect start. |
Why It Matters for EmeraldLoaded Readers
- Drama delivered in stoppage-time keeps fans hooked—and Liverpool made sure the win counted.
- Injury issues for Arsenal could threaten their hunt for the title if not addressed.
- Szoboszlai’s free-kick showcases the rising importance of precision and set-piece prowess in modern football.
- Early-season form: Liverpool’s strong start under new management builds optimism; Arsenal must regroup.
