8/31/25 at Anfield

Match-week three of the 25/26 Premier League campaign, yet there’s already fans that would deem this match as ‘title deciding’. Arsenal made the trip north to Anfield on August 31st, and left with zero points. Liverpool on the other hand, have now taken a full nine points from their first three matches. The game ended one to nil – Liverpudlians left with smiles, and the North London crowd had a quiet train home.

Liverpool began the match with the same eleven that stepped out last week against Newcastle. Hugo Ekitiké as the lone striker, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah supporting from the wings. As the ten, Slot chose Florian Wirtz, with Gravenberch and Mac Allister as the pivot right behind him. The Hungarian duo of Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai began as full-backs. And holding down the fort, as per usual, was Vrigil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Finally, in goal was Alisson Becker.

Arsenal began the match with a forward trio of Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke. In the middle stood Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice. In defense, Ricardo Calafiori started on the left, with Jurrien Timber on the right, and finally, the star duo of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. Also, David Raya served as the man between the posts.

Immediately, it could be seen that Arsenal was not fielding their strongest team. Bukayo Saka remains out, injured, as well as Arsenal captain, Martin Ødegaard, who started the match on the bench due to a shoulder injury. However, it was Arsenal who seemed to be starting the game on the front foot. Most of which, as a result of the brilliant play from Noni Madueke. He played on instinct, and was causing problems for the Reds in the back. In previous games, this may have been a problem for Liverpool’s new left-back, Milos Kerkez. But, time and time again in the first-half, he showed his pace, defensive awareness, and tackling ability in a great way. Undoubtedly, it was his best 45 minutes as a Red.

The remainder of the half saw mostly passive attacks, with Arsenal controlling possession. For the Reds, it seemed this was the opposite of how they had been playing all season. They looked defensively sound, however, moving forward, they couldn’t seem to muster anything. The half ended nil to nil, and Arsenal was surely feeling confident. To control the game the way they did, at Anfield, was impressive.

It’s safe to say however, that their confidence didn’t last long. Liverpool looked like a new squad. Their defensive prowess continued from the first-half, and they looked to have a certain calmness to them in possession. Specifically, Dominik Szoboszlai was having the game of his life. Starting out of position, at right-back, he was all over the pitch. Flying down the wings creating space for Salah, dropping into the middle to receive the ball from his center-backs, and pressing like an absolute maniac. Despite this however, Arsenal maintained their reputation of having the best defense in Europe. Liverpool could not break the deadlock.

Time passed, and the Reds maintained their 70% possession in the second-half. Arsenal couldn’t touch them, prompting substitutions from Mikel Arteta. The new signing, Eze, Ødegaard, and the 15-year-old, Dowman, came on. In response, the Reds brought on Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo. With these changes, you’d expect Arsenal to be on the front foot yet again, with Liverpool focusing on defensive substitutions. But, Liverpool remained control, and as the seconds ticked towards the 90th, it seemed that a piece of magic would be the only thing preventing a nil-nil draw.

Thankfully for the Reds, there was a wizard on their team that day. A player that naturally plays as a ten, but most recently, has featured as a fullback. Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool picked up a free kick. Center of the pitch. 32 yards out. Szoboszlai and Salah stood over the ball. They both looked like men with intent. However, only one person could take the set piece. And the Hungarian wouldn’t pass up this opportunity. He curled the ball over the wall and smacked it in off the left post. Anfield erupted in the 83rd minute, and the Reds led one to nil. To follow, Arsenal fell into panic mode. It looked for the first time in the second-half that they tried to take chances moving forward. But, it was too little too late.

The Reds won the highly anticipated match, and have now won three out of three to start the Premier League season. Arsenal on the other hand, have two wins out of three, now sitting third in the league table. With the first international break upon us, Liverpool are sitting pretty at the top of the table, looking towards Burnley on their return.

Up the Reds!