Arsenal fell to their first defeat of the Premier League season as a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick handed Liverpool a 1-0 win at Anfield.
Mikel Arteta’s side were competitive throughout, limiting Liverpool’s clear chances and creating openings of their own, but wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted his side must be more clinical in big matches: “You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it.”
The Gunners suffered further blows with injuries to Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and a late setback for William Saliba, leaving Arteta to rue both missed opportunities and mounting fitness concerns
Arteta’s Reaction
The Arsenal boss told Sky Sports he was “proud” of his players’ performance but conceded that fine margins cost them the game:
“I am very disappointed with the result. I’m very proud of my players. Both sets of players had to dig in to a level where there was nothing between the two. It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic. You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it. We were much better than last year, much better. We have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game.” — Mikel Arteta, Sky Sports
On injuries, Arteta confirmed:
“We lost Martin, we lost Kai, we lost Bukayo and in the warm-up we lost Saliba. Eberechi Eze has been with us only four or five days, but we fully believe in the players that played.”
Match Stats – Liverpool vs Arsenal
| Stat | Liverpool | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.45 | 0.55 |
| Total Shots | 9 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 4 | 7 |
| Passes | 433 | 373 |
| Corners | 3 | 8 |
| Fouls | 7 | 10 |
source: sofascore match data – 31 Aug 2025
The data underlined Arsenal’s frustration — they edged expected goals (0.55 vs 0.45) and had more corners, but failed to trouble Alisson with enough on-target efforts.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William argued that Arsenal’s tactical discipline was encouraging, but their lack of a cutting edge remains an issue:
“Arsenal pressed with intelligence, forced Liverpool into periods of discomfort and created enough half-chances to nick something. But with Saka and Havertz missing, they lacked variety in the final third. For Arteta, the positive is how well his reshaped side competed away at Anfield — but failing to turn good possession into goals could define another season.”
Key Insights
- Szoboszlai’s free-kick seals Liverpool’s 1-0 win.
- Arsenal finished with a higher xG (0.55 to 0.45).
- Injury blows: Ødegaard, Havertz, Saka and Saliba all sidelined.
- Arteta: “You have to put the ball in the back of the net.”
- Arsenal more corners and shots but lacked accuracy.
What’s Next?
Liverpool head into the international break unbeaten and will next face Newcastle away.
Arsenal regroup for Nottingham Forest at home, where Arteta’s depleted squad will be tested in one of the most high-stakes fixtures of the season.
👉 Did Arsenal’s performance prove they’re closing the gap, or was this another missed opportunity in a title-defining clash?
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