Who needs Trent Alexander-Arnold taking free-kicks from right-back? The king is dead, long live the king. Dominik Szoboszlai may only be filling in in that position but the midfielder produced a sumptuous, memorable strike to beat an Arsenal side who were caught out by their lack of ambition.
Who needs Trent Alexander-Arnold taking free-kicks from right-back? The king is dead, long live the king. Dominik Szoboszlai may only be filling in in that position but the midfielder produced a sumptuous, memorable strike to beat an Arsenal side who were caught out by their lack of ambition.
Set-piece FC? Not Arsenal, not this time. Instead Szoboszlai stepped up to hit a dipping free-kick from fully 32 yards out, after a foul by Martin Zubimendi on substitute Curtis Jones.
It was a goal out-of-keeping with a tough, uncompromising but hardly exciting encounter which was hampered by a swirling wind and a desire not to lose rather than to win. Especially from Arsenal.
Dominik Szoboszlai. WOW. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/AmSa5lVgcx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
The loss of Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in the summer, on a free transfer, theoretically deprived Liverpool of their set-piece specialist and a source of goals. Not if Szoboszlai is going to strike them like that, though.
The Hungarian may still fret about where he fits into this Liverpool team following the signing of Florian Wirtz who lined up alongside Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch. That trio looks to be first-choice but maybe Szoboszlai, who has outstanding athleticism and saw off the challenge of first Gabriel Martinelli and then Eberechi Eze on his debut, has reinvented himself.
It means that, going into the international break, the champions have a flawless record – even if the performances have not been perfect – of three wins from three Premier League games.
As for Arsenal, maybe this break will give Mikel Arteta a chance for reflection. His squad is stronger than it has ever been, even with injuries, but tactically he limited them when they had the chance to claim a crucial win and put down their marker as contenders.
Instead they only showed real urgency when they conceded and Liverpool were able to see that out.
07:10 PM BST
Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports
“If you win against a team like Arsenal, who last season were such a good team and have strengthened so much, to win against them is very positive. We will know at the end of the season what it is worth.”
On what it took to win the match:
“Listening to Jamie [Carragher]. He thought we were far too open against Bournemouth so we thought let’s make it a boring game! On a more serious note, they took the risk of going 1v1, this was hard because they brought all the midfielders so close to the defence. Then in the second half we went 1v1 but with [Dominik] Szoboszlai playing close and three midfielders. In the second half we pressed really well so for me after 45 minutes we got the upper hand. In the end we needed a moment of magic.”
On Dominik Szoboszlai:
“Again. I am only working with him now for a little more over a season but he shows what Liverpool is all about. If he has to play right wing, right full-back, as a 10, he gives his best. Again he was outstanding today.”
On the efforts of his team so far this season:
“Hard games we had to play unlike last season when we starting not against seasons who ended in the top 10. It is a tougher start which you could also see in the game. Now we are on nine points which is positive but I have also reminded our players that last season we were on nine after three games but the fourth we lost against Nottingham Forest.”
On how busy he expects deadline day tomorrow to be:
“Quite busy because I have to take a flight at two o’clock! On a serious note, let’s wait and see. I have not spoken to [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] yet. I do not think it is a surprise we are trying to see if we can strengthen the squad but if that is not possible we are more than happy to do it with this team.”
On whether Ibrahima Konate injury makes getting a defender more urgent:
“It is not a way of asking it. I could only not take one player into the game so I had to leave one out and that was a centre-back. I think we were quite well in terms of centre-backs. I think it was only cramp so I do not think it was an injury. We have to find out in the upcoming games.”
07:04 PM BST
Hugo Ekitike speaking to the BBC
“Obviously, that was a really important game for us. It was a tough game. We do not have many chances to score. Dominik [Szoboszlai] scored an amazing free-kick. We have to say thank you to him. It is still the start of the season, and we are going to have the international break, and we have to come back and be on the same page.”
On joining Liverpool:
“It has been fast. The boys did well to introduce me into the team. I am very comfortable. It gave me so much confidence here, and I feel like I can score every game.
“It means a lot. It is about mindset; all the guys in this team are on the same page. We work together, that is why we make the differences in the games when it is difficult.”
07:04 PM BST
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports
“There was a lot of feeling last season about what Arsenal needed and that they needed someone up front to finish all of their chances. I have never believed Arsenal’s problem was finishing. Arsenal’s problem is creating. That was the problem for them last season, they do not create enough.
“You can look at the numbers; it is all there in black and white. From last season, Arsenal needed to shift slightly, become a bit more proactive with the ball. Okay, you bring in [Martin] Zubimendi, and you bring in [Eberechi] Eze and [Viktor] Gyokeres up front. It is only three games, but in the two away games we have seen Arsenal in this season, nothing has changed.
“Heavily reliant on set pieces, do not create anything in open play and defensively the best team in Europe for me.”
07:02 PM BST
Post-match thoughts from David Raya
“I have not seen it [the goal] back yet. Disappointed not to save it like every goal you concede. I think it is a hell of a strike. I remember the ball moving a lot and moving away from me. Hopefully, the next one I can save.
“It is a very good strike especially with the new balls and everything. We still have to adapt. It is going away from me so it is harder to gauge and save it.”
06:59 PM BST
Szoboszlai emulating Gerrard
83 - Dominik Szoboszlai's strike against Arsenal was Liverpool's latest winning goal (83rd minute) via a direct free-kick in a Premier League game since Steven Gerrard netted against Aston Villa in the 87th minute in August 2007. Eights. pic.twitter.com/5hfN5XmnDR
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 31, 2025
06:58 PM BST
Scoring run continues
37 - Liverpool have scored in 37 Premier League matches in a row, their longest run of consecutive top-flight games scored in of all time. Blockbuster. pic.twitter.com/s2mKmSbkRA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 31, 2025
06:56 PM BST
Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports
“I am very disappointed with the result. I am 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 cannot dominate here for 90 minutes, it is impossible. At the end of the game, I said we have to find a way to win these big matches.
“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. We lost Martin [Odegaard], we lost Kai [Havertz] and then we lost Bukayo [Saka]. In the warm-up we lost [William] Saliba.”
On Eberechi Eze:
“He has been with us for four or five days, that is all. We fully believe in the players that played. You have to take a lot of positives from the game. I have not seen Liverpool at home suffering like they did against us.”
06:52 PM BST
THE moment of the game
Strike, Szobo 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ghSxBQsjXl
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
06:50 PM BST
Thoughts of the Sky crew
"Arsenal's attacking play just wasn't good enough!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
"Their forwards have to take risks!"
Roy Keane & Theo Walcott react to Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool 🔎 pic.twitter.com/RZikSJSkmQ
06:50 PM BST
Dominik Szoboszlai speaking to Sky Sports
"I was confident in myself" 😤
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai reflects on his unbelievable free-kick that won the game against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/8ZP760bi8O
06:46 PM BST
Meanwhile at Villa Park
The final game of the weekend is taking place this evening at Villa Park, where Aston Villa host Crystal Palace. Marc Guehi, strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, starts and captains Crystal Palace this evening. Kick-off there is at 7pm and you can follow all the action from that game right here.
06:43 PM BST
Szoboszlai has done it before
A brilliant free-kick from Szobo…
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
pic.twitter.com/ZJwtov0t5I
06:43 PM BST
Liverpool three wins from three
UP THE REDS! ✊🔴 pic.twitter.com/ELeGN89CrD
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
06:42 PM BST
Szoboszlai the match winner
Incredible, @_SZD10 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ihfpYUHMo7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
06:40 PM BST
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports
“Absolutely huge. Liverpool have nine points out of nine. They have played two really difficult games; Newcastle away and Arsenal at home. And they have 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 am sure we will see a lot better from Liverpool in these next few months.
“[Dominik] Szoboszlai has been revitalised. Absolutely outstanding. It is almost like they have found a position for him now, playing at right-back. Outstanding in the last few games. We have heard so much about his ability to hit shots from a distance. We have not seen it too much for Liverpool but, wow, what a goal.”
06:38 PM BST
This weekend’s Premier League fixtures
Saturday:
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Manchester United 3-2 Burnley
Sunderland 2-1 Brentford
Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth
Wolves 2-3 Everton
Leeds 0-0 Newcastle
Today:
Brighton 2-1 Manchester City
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
06:37 PM BST
Gary Neville on Sky Sports
“Liverpool have got what [Mikel] Arteta and Arsenal have not got right now; that edge, that something, that mentality to go and win big matches at big away grounds.
“Liverpool believe they should be winning these matches and I am not sure Arsenal do. They are happy not to lose and it is costing them.
“Even before the strike, [Dominik] Szoboszlai was brilliant and it is a brilliant day for Arne Slot.”
06:33 PM BST
Roy Keane on Sky Sports
"Winning football matches when you're not at your very best - that's what CHAMPIONS DO."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Roy Keane reacts to Liverpool's 1-0 win over Arsenal 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/npYukHkA0V
06:32 PM BST
FT stats
Possession: Liverpool 53%-47% Arsenal
Shots: 9-11
Shots on target: 3-1
Corners: 3-8
Touches in opposition box: 16-28
06:30 PM BST
FT verdict
Be fascinating how the Arsenal world view their approach today. Liverpool have been so vulnerable defensively in the first two games, but Arteta was more intent on nullifying than exposing flaws. A moment of magic from Szoboszlai left the game plan in tatters. Three out of three for the champions and they have not really got going yet...
06:28 PM BST
The moment of genius
06:26 PM BST
Full time
There is the final whistle and Liverpool win it 1-0 thanks to Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick. A moment of genius, Gerrard-esque, wins it for Arne Slot’s men. Liverpool make it three wins from three, Arsenal drop points for the first time this season. Liverpool head into the international break top of the table.
FULL-TIME: Dominik Szoboszlai's outstanding free-kick gives Liverpool all three points against Arsenal ✅ pic.twitter.com/z9Dx0cnAKS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
THREE POINTS - GET IN!!!! pic.twitter.com/7CoWJxE8Gb
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
06:25 PM BST
90+8 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Endo is booked for cynically bringing down Gyokeres and Arsenal have one last shot to send the ball into the Liverpool box.
06:25 PM BST
90+7 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Chiesa’s shot from just outside the box is deflected and goes behind for a corner. There was a VAR check at the other end for a possible Szoboszlai handball from an Arsenal long throw. It did hit Szoboszlai’s arm but that is not a penalty.
06:23 PM BST
90+5 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Into the final two minutes of added time although that may increase due to Timber going down with cramp.
06:20 PM BST
90+2 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Timber has gone down with cramp but cannot be substituted as Arsenal have used their three substitution spots.
06:18 PM BST
90 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
There will be seven additional minutes.
06:16 PM BST
89 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Arsenal are bringing on Dowman for Madueke.
Odegaard’s delivery is headed away brilliantly by Szoboszlai.
06:16 PM BST
88 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Madueke sends in a dangerous cross from the right side of the box but Gomez steps in with a crucial intervention to get to the ball before Gyokeres.
Wirtz has gone down, perhaps with cramp or a dead leg, and is going to be replaced by Endo.
06:15 PM BST
86 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Salah’s touch lets him down again. Jones plays the ball into him on the edge of the box but Salah’s loose touch allows the Arsenal defenders to snap in.
06:12 PM BST
84 mins: Liverpool 1 Arsenal 0
Eze goes down inside the Liverpool box, wanting a penalty after a challenge from Gomez, but referee Chris Kavanagh waves those appeals away.
06:10 PM BST
GOAL! Szoboszlai scores stunning free-kick
What a sensational free-kick! Anfield erupts. Szoboszlai steps up and smashes one into the top corner. Raya can do nothing to stop it. You are going to have to go some to beat that this season. Already a contender for goal of the season. Sublime!
Dominik Szoboszlai. WOW. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/AmSa5lVgcx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Liverpool have seen a number 8 produce that kind of magic before. Steven Gerrard will be applauded that one with knowing approval.
06:08 PM BST
81 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Jones is brought down by Zubemindi not far outside the Arsenal penalty area and the Arsenal midfielder is booked. This is a free-kick in a dangerous position, right in the centre just over 30 yards out.
06:06 PM BST
78 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Konate is not going to be able to continue so both sides have lost a starting centre-back to injury. Konate is limping off and will be replaced by Gomez. Chiesa is also coming on for Ekitike.
Meanwhile at Villa Park Marc Guehi is starting and captaining Crystal Palace tonight amid links with Liverpool.
06:04 PM BST
76 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Konate is down and is needing some treatment.
06:01 PM BST
74 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Wirtz makes great contact on a shot from just outside the Arsenal penalty area and Gabriel makes a great block. That was travelling.
06:00 PM BST
73 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Szoboszlai plays a delightful diagonal to Wirtz out on the left. Wirtz then cuts inside and lays it off to Salah on the edge of the box. Salah’s first touch is a little heavy, allowing the Arsenal defenders to make the block when he gets his shot away.
05:59 PM BST
72 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gakpo wins a corner off Timber in front of The Kop. This will be Liverpool’s first corner of the game, Arsenal have had seven.
Wirtz takes but Mosquera heads away.
05:57 PM BST
70 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Mikel Arteta is making a double change as Odegaard and Eze are on, the latter for his Arsenal debut. Martinelli and Merino the men to head off.
05:57 PM BST
69 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gravenberch plays a lovely ball into the right channel, looking for the run of Ekitike, but Raya is quick off his line to get to the ball first.
In the absence of much attacking threat, Liverpool are now trying to win the game utilising an old favourite - the emotion of the crowd in the final 25 minutes. Arsenal have not looked flustered yet. Tentative signs game ‘might’ open up for the climax.
05:55 PM BST
67 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Salah plays in a cheeky cross with the outside of his boot from the right side of the box but Raya gets up high enough to pluck it out of the air.
05:53 PM BST
66 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
The first Arsenal player to be booked is Gyokeres for a nasty challenge on van Dijk.
05:53 PM BST
65 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gakpo cuts in from the left and lets rip from the edge of the box but it is straight at Raya.
05:51 PM BST
63 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gabriel’s shot from range is blocked by Konate and goes behind for a corner.
Rice’s outswinger is headed away by Konate and Madueke’s shot from the edge of the box is wild and sails into the Anfield Road End. That was a terrific header from Konate.
05:49 PM BST
61 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Arne Slot turns to his bench for the first time today as he brings on Jones for Mac Allister.
05:48 PM BST
60 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Liverpool have the ball in the net but the offside flag goes up. Wirtz’s shot is spilt by Raya and Gakpo gets to it first. Gakpo is then brought down by Raya before Ekitike puts the ball in but Gakpo was offside as Wirtz hit his shot.
Liverpool have the ball in the net but it's ruled out for offside ❌ pic.twitter.com/qMj1jbLO16
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
05:46 PM BST
58 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
A long Raya free-kick is allowed to bounce by the Liverpool defence and Madueke thinks he might have a chance inside the Liverpool box but Alisson is out quickly to smother the ball.
05:42 PM BST
55 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Madueke twists inside and out on the right side of the Liverpool penalty before Kerkez blocks the cross and Arsenal have a corner.
Rice sends in an outswinger, which Konate powerfully heads away.
05:40 PM BST
52 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Liverpool work it well in the centre of the pitch and Gravenberch drives forward inside the Arsenal half. He scored a cracking goal on Monday night against Newcastle and he goes for goal from over 25 yards out but drags his effort wide.
05:38 PM BST
50 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
A lot like the first half, it is a quiet start to the second.
05:32 PM BST
Second half
We are back under way at Anfield. Arne Slot is pictured speaking to Conor Bradley in the tunnel. Will Bradley be on soon in this second half? Szoboszlai, being deployed at right-back today like he was at Newcastle, is putting in another good performance.
05:27 PM BST
News from the French camp
Didier Deschamps has had to rule out Rayan Cherki (torn quadriceps).
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) August 31, 2025
To replace him, the coach has called up Hugo Ekitike!#FierdetresBleuspic.twitter.com/krxMoTPShO
05:25 PM BST
Roy Keane on Sky Sports
“Liverpool seem a bit nervous. Arsenal are controlling the pace of the game.
“The game is there for Arsenal, with Liverpool being a bit more tentative.
“But Arsenal seem scared of being a bit more positive. A lot will happen in the second half with the substitutions when we see what the mentality of Arsenal really is.”
Do you agree? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
05:23 PM BST
HT stats
Possession: Liverpool 49%-51% Arsenal
Shots: 2-6
Shots on target: 0-1
Corners: 0-5
Touches in opposition box: 2-12
05:20 PM BST
HT verdict
Arteta will be delighted so far. He is clearly not trying to win the title following the Wenger blueprint. This is more the George Graham template - with a dash of Clive Woodward’s England. Not a thrilling first half, unfortunately.
05:16 PM BST
Half-time
That is it for the first half and it remains goalless at the break.
05:15 PM BST
45 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
There will be one added minute at the end of this first half.
05:12 PM BST
42 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gabriel fouls Salah and the Liverpool players and fans are fuming that Gabriel was not booked for a cynical foul.
05:10 PM BST
40 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Timber’s effort is blocked by van Dijk and the ball comes to Calafiori on the edge of the box. He gets his shot away but it goes wide. A goal-kick is originally given but, after Arsenal protestations, the decision is changed and the visitors have a corner.
Rice’s delivery is met by Calafiori, who heads wide.
05:07 PM BST
37 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Maybe it is the swirling wind but, so far, this has been a game disappointingly low on quality given we are looking at two Premier League title contenders. It’s just been summed up by two awful passes - one from each goalkeeper with David Raya in particular fortunate to escape. Hopefully it will improve soon. It cannot just be the conditions. The honourable exception has been Arsenal’s Noni Madueke.
05:06 PM BST
36 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Madueke cuts inside onto his left on the right side of the penalty area and shoots but his effort is blocked by Kerkez and loops over for an Arsenal corner.
With a number of Arsenal players positioned on the edge of the box, Rice takes an inswinger but it goes all the way through. There was a quick VAR check for a possible penalty but Merino theatrically threw himself to the ground when he saw the ball go over his head. Merino should be booked; that is diving.
Arsenal certainly like to make an event of every corner. Time for the viewers at home to make a cup of tea prior to delivery.
05:05 PM BST
35 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Zubimendi fouls Gakpo in a similar fashion to what Gravenberch did on Calafiori but is not booked. A lack of consistency there.
05:04 PM BST
33 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Liverpool should have punished Arsenal there. Raya’s pass is intercepted by van Dijk, who drives into the box but, instead of shooting, tries to lay it off to Salah but it gets intercepted. Why did he not shoot? The ball then comes to Mac Allister on the edge of the box but his shot is blocked by a number of Arsenal defenders closing him down.
05:00 PM BST
30 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Arteta has the game he designed in the first 30 minutes, Liverpool struggling to create chances against a physically robust and organised side, while Arsenal’s set-piece count is growing.
04:59 PM BST
29 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
That is one of the worst free-kicks you will see. Rice goes for the shot from around 35 yards out and it sails into The Kop. Rice has a wry smile.
04:58 PM BST
28 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
The first booking of the game goes Liverpool’s way as Gravenberch tripped Calafiori as the Italian drove forward.
04:57 PM BST
27 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Arsenal have another corner as Kerkez blocks Timber’s cross. Rice will take once more but the delivery is poor and Kerkez clears at the front post.
04:55 PM BST
25 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Timber fouls Gakpo inside the Arsenal half and Liverpool will use this opportunity to send the ball into the Arsenal penalty area.
Wirtz’s delivery has too much on it and goes behind for a goal-kick.
04:52 PM BST
22 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Zubimendi plays a ball into the right channel to find Madueke, who drives into the Liverpool penalty area, but it is good defending from Kerkez to put it behind for a corner.
Rice’s delivery is headed out to the edge of the box, where Madueke takes a touch and then shoots, which forces Alisson into a decent save to his right.
Big concern for Liverpool there. First time Noni Madueke has had a chance to run up against Milos Kerkez and he was just too quick for the full-back. Kerkez just about recovered to concede the corner but that is something Arsenal should definitely try and exploit. It’s been shaky start to his Liverpool career for Kerkez.
04:51 PM BST
20 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
As we hit 20 minutes into the game, Anfield belts out Diogo Jota’s song. Forever Number 20 at Liverpool.
04:49 PM BST
18 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Madueke wins Arsenal a corner out on the right after Kerkez blocked the cross. Arsenal have the most corner goals since August 2023.
The delivery comes all the way through but VAR is taking a look at a possible hold in the Liverpool penalty area. The check is complete and there is no offence. They were looking at Mac Allister and Merino but nothing in that.
04:46 PM BST
16 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gravenberch has made an impressive start. Arsenal look built to suffocate the game - certainly in the early stages - but the Dutchman is finding space, especially when he glides through midfield.
04:45 PM BST
15 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Madueke is a lucky boy and has his keeper to thank for bailing him out. He plays a terrible ball backwards and, had it not been for Raya being quick off the mark and out of his box, Salah would have been in for a one-on-one.
04:43 PM BST
13 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Gakpo drifts inside from his left wing position and the space opens up for him to drive at the penalty area. He then shoots but his effort goes wide of Raya’s right post.
04:42 PM BST
11 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Van Dijk lifts a ball over the top of the Arsneal defence, looking for Salah, but Arsenal’s captain today Gabriel backpedals and heads away. Good defending from the centre-back.
04:35 PM BST
5 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Saliba gets some treatment but he is coming off. He is going to be replaced by 21-year-old Mosquera, who signed for Arsenal from Valencia this summer.
Saliba was in trouble after an early challenge on Ekitike. It looked like it would develop into quite a battle between those two. Shame we have been denied it so soon.
04:34 PM BST
4 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
This is an early concern for Arsenal as Saliba has gone down and that is his day done.
04:33 PM BST
3 mins: Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0
Liverpool are dominating the ball in these early stages.
04:30 PM BST
Kick-off
We are under way at Anfield. Both sides are two from two so far but at least one will lose their 100% record today.
04:26 PM BST
Kick-off fast approaching
Both sides emerge from the tunnel into the Merseyside sunshine and we are just moments away from kick-off at Anfield.
04:22 PM BST
Reminder of the teams
Liverpool: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Ngumoha.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Kepa, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Trossard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Annous.
04:20 PM BST
Cheers for ex-Liverpool man
There was a huge cheer when Brighton & Hove Albion’s late win over Manchester City was announced - and not least when it relayed that Liverpool’s former midfielder James Milner was among the Brighton’s goalscorers. The goal also means that Milner is now the second-youngest goalscorer (16 years and 356 days) and second-oldest goalscorer (39 years and 239 days) in the Premier League era.
"I didn't think I'd score too many goals this season, but that's probably the magic of his number on the shirt!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
James Milner on paying tribute to Diogo Jota with his celebration against Manchester City ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EMJxqjEIcf
04:18 PM BST
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports
"It was a rude awakening for him... no better time than today!"@Carra23 discusses whether Florian Wirtz can find form against Arsenal this afternoon 🔎 pic.twitter.com/SRsaTUVgtl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
04:16 PM BST
Merino given the nod for the visitors
The choice of Mikel Merino in midfield for Arsenal feels telling. Set-piece FC? Quite possibly so. Martin Odegaard is on the bench having damaged his shoulder last week but the choice of Merino suggests that Mikel Arteta is going for a more physical, defensive-minded approach. Arsenal fans would have loved to see Eberechi Eze make his first start but he is also among the substitutes.
04:14 PM BST
Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports
"This is another very difficult one"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Arne Slot speaks ahead of Liverpool's clash with Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/y6pjOvPM45
04:09 PM BST
Cody Gakpo signs new long-term contract at Liverpool
The Dutchman starts for the home side this afternoon and it was confirmed yesterday that he has committed his long-term future to the club. Here is what he said upon signing his new contract:
“It feels amazing to extend the contract here at this beautiful club. I am very grateful and hopefully I can give back many more beautiful moments.
“I feel at home, my family feels at home and that is also a big decision always. They feel good. I am very happy at the club, a good group, good teammates, so the life around the football itself is very good and I enjoy every moment of it. I am very grateful that I can extend.”
04:02 PM BST
All over in the 2pm kick-offs
Down on the south coast, Brighton have come from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Manchester City; a repeat of what happened in that fixture last season.
Meanwhile at the City Ground, West Ham have scored three late goals to beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 to reduce the pressure on Graham Potter.
You can follow all the reaction to those matches right here.
04:00 PM BST
Arsenal’s Champions League fixtures announced
September 16: Athletic Club (A), kick-off 5.45pm
October 1: Olympiacos (H), kick-off 8pm
October 21: Atletico Madrid (H), kick-off 8pm
November 4: Slavia Prague (A), kick-off 5.45pm
November 26: Bayern Munich (H), kick-off 8pm
December 10: Club Brugge (A), kick-off 8pm
January 20: Inter Milan (A), kick-off 8pm
January 28: Kairat Almaty (H), kick-off 8pm
03:58 PM BST
Pre-match thoughts of Jurrien Timber
"They are the reigning champions so it makes the game a bit more special"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Jurrien Timber says Arsenal have 'full belief' against Liverpool 🔴 pic.twitter.com/AKDdkRPnTK
03:56 PM BST
Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures announced
September 17: Atletico Madrid (A), Matchday 1, kick-off 8pm
September 30: Galatasaray (A), Matchday 2, kick-off 8pm
October 22: Eintracht Frankfurt (A), Matchday 3, kick-off 8pm
November 4: Real Madrid (H), Matchday 4, kick-off 8pm
November 26: PSV Eindhoven (H), Matchday 5, kick-off 8pm
December 9: Internazionale (A), Matchday 6, kick-off 8pm
January 21: Marseille (A), Matchday 7, kick-off 8pm
January 28: Qarabag (H), Matchday 8, kick-off 8pm
03:53 PM BST
Liverpool and Arsenal fans are at war... over their songs
Arsenal have a new hero in Ebere Eze. Last weekend he had not yet played a game for the club, but he already had his song. “We can hear them crying at the Lane / Ebere Eze, he scores again / One call with Mik Arteta he said ‘wow’ / F--- off Tottenham, I’m a Gooner now.”
It can be knotty to unpick the origin of fan chants. On this occasion, and this may require repeated listens to discern, the tune is taken from the bolero-mambo song ¿Quién Será?. Originally recorded in 1953 by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz, it was exposed to a wider audience by Dean Martin, then dance duo Shaft in their 1999 re-imagining (Mucho Mambo) Sway and most recently, Michael Bublé. Or perhaps Arsenal supporters just heard Liverpool singing it?
Emerging cult hero Federico Chiesa has been celebrated for months with the same tune: “We can hear them crying in Turin / Federico, he’s here to win / One chat with Arne Slot and he said ‘ciao’ / F--- off Juve, I’m a Kopite now.”
Clearly Liverpool supporters do not own the copyright to a song composed more than 70 years ago, but some have accused Arsenal of theft. Fortify yourself for the new frontier in online football fan discourse: welcome to the chant-stealing wars.
03:49 PM BST
Liverpool’s midfield trio
Florian Wirtz has been quiet in Liverpool’s opening Premier League games, but today he has both Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch as a team mate for the first time. Will a more balanced line-up unlock the German’s box of tricks?
03:45 PM BST
Pre-match thoughts of Virgil van Dijk
"Let's give it everything" 💪
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Virgil van Dijk is looking forward to Liverpool's clash with Arsenal ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/75b5RGDCok
03:41 PM BST
Build your dream team
03:38 PM BST
Atmosphere building at Anfield
03:36 PM BST
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03:32 PM BST
Full team news
Liverpool make one change from Monday’s win at Newcastle United. Alexis Mac Allister, who missed that victory, comes in for Curtis Jones.
Liverpool: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Ngumoha.
For Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino come in for Bukayo Saka, who is out with a hamstring injury, and Martin Odegaard, who is only fit enough for the bench. Their new signing Eberechi Eze is named on the bench.
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Kepa, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Trossard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Annous.
03:28 PM BST
Hosts arriving
All checked-in ✅@Expedia | #Adpic.twitter.com/fkKBUdbgnN
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
03:25 PM BST
Gary Neville on Sky Sports
🗣️ "It all points towards being a brilliant game"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Gary Neville previews Liverpool vs Arsenal ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/FxlPGOemfS
03:21 PM BST
Allure of Liverpool and Arsenal is attracting managers to their backroom staff
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is a manager who has reached the final of the Europa League just three years previous, not to mention the glittering playing career that preceded it, and yet sitting on the bench at Anfield on Sunday he will not even be Arne Slot’s No 2.
Strictly speaking the Liverpool No 2 is another Dutchman, Sipke Hulshoff, although the hierarchy is relatively flat. As a player at Arsenal, once sent off against Liverpool at Anfield, Van Bronckhorst was a Premier League winner. He was a Champions League winner with Barcelona, and there were 106 caps for the Netherlands. He won everything as a player. As a coach it has certainly been passable – an Eredivisie title with Feyenoord, that 2021-22 Europa run with Rangers. Why take a place in the staff at Liverpool?
In the Arsenal dugout is another Premier League winning left-back of the 2000s, and a former international who also had a decent career as a manager. He too is now an assistant. That is Gabriel Heinze, once of Manchester United and then Real Madrid, a success as a coach in his native Argentina. A former team-mate of Mikel Arteta at Paris St-Germain, the pair have stayed close. An ill-starred time as coach of MLS franchise Atlanta United has damaged Heinze’s reputation somewhat among recruiters.
03:16 PM BST
Arsenal team news
⚪️ 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🔴
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2025
©️ Gabriel skippers the side
↩️ Merino into midfield
🔙 Martinelli returns to the starting XI
Bring the fight, Gunners 💪
03:15 PM BST
Liverpool team news
Your Reds to take on Arsenal 👊 #LIVARS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
03:13 PM BST
Team news incoming
We are just moments away from finding out the starting XIs from Anfield...
03:09 PM BST
This weekend’s Premier League fixtures
Saturday:
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Manchester United 3-2 Burnley
Sunderland 2-1 Brentford
Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth
Wolves 2-3 Everton
Leeds 0-0 Newcastle
Today:
Brighton 0-1 Manchester City (49’)
Nottingham Forest 0-0 West Ham (53’)
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
03:06 PM BST
VAR news
Michael Salisbury has been stood down as VAR for Sunday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal after officials confirmed he made a mistake to disallow Fulham’s goal at Chelsea.
Telegraph Sport understands that Salisbury’s withdrawal is the result of his controversial involvement in an incident during Saturday’s game.
Salisbury intervened to ask match referee Rob Jones to go to the pitchside monitor after Fulham midfielder Josh King had scored 21 minutes into the game, and ultimately the goal was chalked off when team-mate Rodrigo Muniz was ruled to have stepped on Trevoh Chalobah during the build-up despite minimal contact.
03:01 PM BST
Huge clash at Anfield
Last season’s top two meet at Anfield as defending Premier League champions Liverpool host Arsenal. Both sides have two wins from two thus far; Liverpool have secured victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle whilst Arsenal have beaten Manchester United and Leeds. This fixture last season was played after Liverpool had secured the title, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw, and in fact both fixtures between the clubs ended in 2-2 draws last season. The last three Premier League meetings between the sides at Anfield have ended in stalemates. Ahead of the game, Arne Slot has spoken of the significance of this match.
“It is to do with losing ground, but not that we play Arsenal. It is more that in the beginning of the season, teams do not normally play their best game unless you keep the same squad completely and add a few players, then you can maybe expect that the team is growing further. If you look at our situation, we have lost a few, added a few so it is not starting from new again, but it is normal that we play even better in a few weeks than we do now.
“But in the meantime, you cannot lose ground or not a lot, although I would be surprised if there was a points record this season in the Premier League because of the strength of the league. You are able to drop points once in a while and be competitive in the league at the end of the season, but the best thing you can do is not drop points at all.”
Liverpool will be without Jeremie Frimpong but are set to welcome back Alexis Mac Allister, who missed the victory at Newcastle on Monday night. They are still linked with moves for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi before tomorrow night’s deadline.
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who injured his hamstring in their victory over Leeds last weekend and has also been ruled out of the upcoming international break. They are also without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus whilst Martin Odegaard is a doubt with a shoulder injury. Eberechi Eze could make his debut for the club after signing from Crystal Palace and Mikel Arteta was full of compliments for his new addition.
“Very special energy, special aura around him and really willing. I heard a lot about him. He has gathered a lot of information on that pitch. Yes, very impressed with him.”
Arsenal are still hoping to add Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie to their ranks before the deadline. Team news to follow shortly.
Category: General Sports
