Liverpool edged a tight contest against Arsenal at Anfield thanks to a brilliant free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, earning a vital 1-0 victory that shifts the early title race.
The Numbers Say It All
- Expected Goals: Arsenal edged Liverpool on xG, 0.39 to 0.34, confirming how evenly matched this was. X (formerly Twitter)
- Lowest xG Game: It was the lowest xG match between the sides in the past three Premier League seasons—a slim margin settled by moments, not dominance. X (formerly Twitter)
Decisive Moment
- Szoboszlai’s Free-Kick: In the 83rd minute, he delivered a stunning 25-yard strike, bending it off the post and into the net after a foul on Curtis Jones. ReutersThe Guardian
Player Analysis – Arsenal
- Noni Madueke was the standout—a bright, direct threat offering much-needed energy on the right wing. The Short Fuse
- Gabriel Martinelli just couldn’t get into it. He looked off it throughout, lacking his usual potency. The Short Fuse
- Eberechi Eze showed flashes in his cameo—not sharp, but hints of quality visible. The Short Fuse
- Ethan Dowman, still very much a kid at this stage, held his own defensively. Looked calm, composed—just what Arsenal need more of.
Liverpool’s Defensive Backbone
Liverpool soaked up pressure well, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté rock-solid, while Szoboszlai himself helped break the lines as a makeshift right-back. The midfield was disciplined, and Salah had to wait until the 73rd minute for his first shot—a testament to Arsenal’s structure. The Liverpool OffsideThe GuardianThe Short Fuse
Final Word
Arsenal threatened more than the final score suggests, but at Anfield, it only takes one. Szoboszlai’s strike was that moment of brilliance. The game was tight, tactical, and one piece of magic broke the deadlock.
Match Summary:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal |
| xG | Arsenal 0.39 – Liverpool 0.34 |
| Decisive Moment | Szoboszlai 83′, 25-yard free-kick |
| Key Performer (Arsenal) | Noni Madueke |
| Silent Threat (Arsenal) | Gabriel Martinelli |
| Potential Spark (Arsenal) | Eberechi Eze |
| Defensive Solidarity (Liverpool) | Van Dijk, Konaté, Szoboszlai |
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