Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Dominik Szoboszlai's sensational free-kick stuns Gunners to send Reds top of the table

Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stunning free-kick to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield and send the reigning champions to the top of the Premier League table.

The Gunners had the better of a first half short on clear-cut chances but Arne Slot's side stepped things up when attacking the Kop after the interval and got their reward through the tireless Hungarian, who played the game out of position at right-back.

Liverpool are now the only team with a perfect record in the Premier League this season, moving ahead of Chelsea at the top, while Mikel Arteta's men lose their own unbeaten record having suffered their first defeat against the 'big six' in 23 matches.

Arsenal need ruthlessness

Arsenal were unfortunate in some respects. Already without Bukayo Saka, they suffered the early setback of seeing William Saliba go off injured, but produced a typically composed performance in the first half, in which they nullified the champions.

Although Viktor Gyokeres struggled to get into it, Noni Madueke caused problems for Milos Kerkez and forced the only save of note in the first half. At that stage, they appeared to be making good on Arteta's claim that they had come to Anfield to win.

"I think the game is there for Arsenal. They have to step up," Gary Neville had told Sky Sports at half-time. "They need a psychological boost that they can win at grounds like this. They need the ruthlessness to go for the kill." But Liverpool seized the initiative.

Player of the match: Dominik Szoboszlai

The hero of the match was not Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike or Florian Wirtz for Liverpool, nor was it Arsenal's new striker Gyokeres, or the second-half substitutes Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze - the latter on the pitch for his Arsenal debut.

It was Szoboszlai, and how he deserved it. Forced into a defensive role yet again at right-back, he snuffed out the threat of Gabriel Martinelli and once he had the opportunity to influence the game at the other end of the pitch, he produced the magical moment.

Liverpool not at best - but still top

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:

"Szoboszlai has been revitalised. Absolutely outstanding. It's almost like they've found a position for him now, playing at right-back. Outstanding in the last few games. We've heard so much about his ability to hit shots from a distance. We haven't seen it too much for Liverpool but, wow, what a goal.

"Liverpool have nine points out of nine. They've played two really difficult games - Newcastle away and Arsenal at home. And they've been nowhere near their best. What a position they find themselves in. Get the transfer window out of the way and then come back after the international break and I'm sure we'll see a lot better from Liverpool in these next few months."

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