DOMINIK Szoboszlai scored a stunning late free-kick to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory against Arsenal after a hard-fought meeting of the English Premier League heavyweights at Anfield today.
A drab encounter looked to be heading for a draw until the Hungary international curled a magnificent strike past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from 30 yards in front of an exultant Kop end after 83 minutes.
The Gunners, who kept new £60m signing Eberechi Eze on the bench until the second half, suffered an early setback when key defender William Saliba went off injured after five minutes, to be replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Chances were at a premium as both sides showed each other huge respect, although Liverpool had a goal ruled out when striker Hugo Ekitike was adjudged offside after bundling home a finish in front of The Kop.
Liverpool mounted increasing pressure as the second half went on, but it took a stunning moment from Szoboszlai to maintain their winning start to the season and inflict Arsenal’s first defeat.
The win kept Arsenal at the top of the table with nine points after three matches, while Arsenal slipped to third spot, three points adrift.
Earlier today, Manchester City suffered their second consecutive defeat with a 2-1 loss at Brighton, while Super Eagles defender Ola Aina’s Nottingham Forest were stunned 3-0 at home by previous winless West Ham United.
RESULTS
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
Brighton 2-1 Manchester City
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham