Liverpool made an unlimited step in the direction of defending the Premier League title with a victory over final season’s runners-up Arsenal, courtesy of a beautiful free-kick taken by Dominik Szoboszlai within the 83rd minute.
Groups
Szoboszlai was deployed as soon as extra on the precise defensive flank, with Jeremie Frimpong not anticipated again earlier than the tip of the worldwide break and Conor Bradley clearly nonetheless not able to play the complete 90 minutes. Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was additionally out.
With Alisson Becker in aim, Szoboszlai was joined by Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez within the again line. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch began collectively for the primary time this season in the course of the park, with Florian Wirtz tasked with enjoying additional up between the strains. Cody Gakpo attacked from the left, Mohamed Salah from the precise, and Hugo Ekitike by means of the center.
In the meantime, Arsenal had many extra harm points to work round on this sport. Forwards Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka had been out, as was midfielder Christian Norgaard, and defender Ben White. Captain Martin Odegaard solely made the bench after choosing up a shoulder drawback the earlier week, as did newly signed ahead Eberechi Eze.
David Raya stood between the posts, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba beginning within the coronary heart of defence. Jurrien Timber lined the precise flank, and Riccardo Calafiori the left. Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice fashioned a three-man midfield, whereas striker Viktor Gyokeres had the assist from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli out broad.
Key moments
In opposition to most expectations, little that was seen on this match wants discussing. Total, it was a gritty affair, with each aspect maybe exhibiting the opposition an excessive amount of respect and little or no attacking intent. An intense battle in the course of the park led to few probabilities at both finish.
Liverpool dominated possession and did appear to be a crew making an attempt to play soccer, however Arsenal confirmed extra power for a big portion of the match and virtually stifled the house aspect’s creativity. Certainly, the Gunners seemed just like the crew extra more likely to break the impasse, with their well-documented set-piece risk and corners that got here reasonably often.
However nothing Mikel Arteta’s males created could possibly be described as a clear-cut likelihood, regardless that Gyokeres, Madueke and substitute Eze might’ve scored. On the different finish, Ekitike did poke the ball into the empty web from shut vary, however the linesman’s flag rightly went up for Gakpo being offside within the buildup.
Due to this fact, it was no shock that one aim was sufficient to resolve the end result, as Arsenal obtained undone with their very own weapon – a set-piece. When referee Chris Kavanagh gave the foul by Martin Zubimendi round 30 yards from Raya’s aim, Szoboszlai, who clearly inherited the free-kick duties from Trent Alexander-Arnold, stepped up and fired a unbelievable roller into the highest nook, leaving Raya unable to do something however make it prettier with an try at a flying save.
Arsenal understandably spent the remaining minutes attacking looking for an equalizer, however it by no means seemed like taking place.
It ought to maybe be stated that the Gunners had a number of extraordinarily feeble penalty shouts, wherein the referee wasn’t in any respect.
Harm issues
The very last thing Arteta wanted, aside from Szoboszlai’s aim obiously – occurred very early. Lower than 5 minutes in, Saliba picked up an harm and was pressured to make means for Christian Mosquera.
Liverpool had that form of issues as effectively, with Konate left clutching his leg and making means for Joe Gomez late on, and the identical taking place to record-signing Wirtz with a minute of the 90 left.
With the worldwide break to observe, each Slot and Arteta might be hoping to have these gamers again by mid-September, when the Premier League resumes.
Liverpool on high
With three rounds performed, Liverpool are the one crew within the Premier League with a 100% report. Due to this fact, they high the desk within the English flight with 9 factors, forward of Chelsea on seven, adopted by the quartet of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and (surprisingly sufficient) Sunderland, all on six.
That, after all, means little or no at this stage.
Spherical 4 will see the reigning champions journey to face Burnley, whereas Arsenal play host to Nottingham Forest.
