Dominik Szoboszlai lit up Anfield with a moment of brilliance as Liverpool edged Arsenal 1-0 in a fiery early-season clash. The Hungarian midfielder curled home a second-half free-kick past David Raya, sealing three vital points for Arne Slot’s side.
It was a match marked by tension, VAR checks and physical battles, but Szoboszlai’s composure and quality proved the difference. Speaking post-match to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old admitted his decision was all about confidence and risk-taking: “I’ll take the risk. I was confident in myself.”
Liverpool now head into the international break unbeaten, while Arsenal suffered their first setback in what many predict will again be a three-way title fight with City.
Szoboszlai on the Goal
The midfielder revealed he had been waiting for his chance behind Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool’s free-kick pecking order:
“Luckily we could practice some free-kicks. I felt this was a bit further. I was like, ‘I’ll take the risk’. I was confident in myself, I tried it… finally I’ve scored from a free-kick. Trent was taking them in the past but finally I could have my chance and did it.” — Dominik Szoboszlai, Sky Sports
On his technique and approach against Raya, Szoboszlai explained:
“I had to shoot a little bit harder because I knew Raya likes to jump behind the ball. He’s an unbelievable goalkeeper. If it goes a bit more inside, he saves it.”
Szoboszlai on Big-Game Mentality
The Hungary captain stressed the importance of risk-taking in decisive moments against elite opposition:
“Of course it takes risk to win a big game. They had an unbelievable season last season and the two before as well. It’s a compliment, always, to keep going with City and with us. They have an unbelievable team, unbelievable coach.” — Dominik Szoboszlai, Sky Sports
Match Stats: Szoboszlai vs Arsenal
| Stat (vs Arsenal) | Szoboszlai |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 82 |
| Accurate passes | 49/53 (92%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Clearances | 6 |
| Duels won | 4/5 |
source: sofascore – 31 Aug 2025
Not only did he provide the winner, but Szoboszlai also impressed defensively with six clearances and two tackles — epitomising Liverpool’s work rate and discipline.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William praised the Hungarian’s balance of flair and graft:
“Szoboszlai delivered a world-class free-kick but his wider performance was just as crucial. He worked tirelessly in midfield, recycled possession with a 92% passing accuracy and put in key defensive interventions. That blend of creativity and steel is exactly what Arne Slot demands from his midfield.”
Key Insights
- Szoboszlai’s free-kick winner earns Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Anfield.
- First Liverpool free-kick goal since Alexander-Arnold last season.
- 92% pass accuracy and 6 clearances show all-round performance.
- Szoboszlai: “I’ll take the risk” – confidence key in big-game moment.
- Liverpool unbeaten heading into international break.
What’s Next?
Liverpool return from the break with a tricky away fixture against Newcastle, before hosting newly-promoted Sunderland.
Arsenal must regroup quickly with a north London derby against Tottenham looming. For Mikel Arteta, fixing Arsenal’s set-piece frailties will be top of the agenda after conceding yet another decisive goal from a dead-ball situation.
Did Szoboszlai just announce himself as Liverpool’s new free-kick specialist?
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