"Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Analysis: Line-Ups, Key Moments, and What Decided the Game"

 Liverpool vs Arsenal: Premier League Match Report (August 31, 2025)

Final Score: Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal

Goal of the Game: Dominik Szoboszlai — an unbelievable, late free-kick to curl in from around 30 yards in the 83′ minute.

Starting Line-Ups

Liverpool (Slot):

GK: Alisson; Defenders: Konaté (injured later), Van Dijk, Kerkez; Midfield: Szoboszlai (playing as right-back), Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Forward line: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike.

Arsenal (Arteta):

GK: Raya; Defense: Timber, Saliba (injured in warm-up), Gabriel, Calafiori; Midfield: Merino, Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Attack: Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.→ Saliba was replaced early by Mosquera.

What Went Right for Liverpool (Factors Behind the Win)

Free-Kick Brilliance: Szoboszlai’s audacious strike was the match-winner — stunningly curled from long range, beating Raya all ends up.

Second-Half Surge: Liverpool raised their energy and pressing in the second 45, creating more chances and dictating tempo late on.

Defensive Cohesion: Van Dijk, Konaté (before injury), Kerkez, Gomez, and Alisson stood firm, frustrating Arsenal’s attempts to break through.

Liverpool is strength in defending and their players benefit in injuries of Salina 

Mental Edge: Analysts and pundits highlighted Liverpool’s winner’s mentality at Anfield versus Arsenal’s caution.

What Worked for Arsenal, Yet Fell Short

Tactical Discipline: Arsenal executed a controlled, defensive approach that initially stifled chaos and limited Liverpool’s wide threats.

Midfield Standouts: Rice, Zubimendi, and Merino anchored the midfield effectively, helping retain balance after early disruption.

Encouraging Attacks Despite Injury Blow: They showed resilience, especially from winger Noni Madueke, even as Saka and Ødegaard were sidelined.

Depth Tested: Saliba’s warm-up injury severely weakened their backline from the outset.

What Didn’t Work for Arsenal (Factors Behind the Loss)

Injury Woes: Saliba’s pre-game injury forced an early reshuffle, disrupting defensive stability.

Lack of Creativity: Despite possession, Arsenal failed to unlock Liverpool’s defense — their open-play chances remained limited.

Substitution Timing: Arteta was criticized for delaying changes, limiting Arsenal’s final push.

Equipment Debate: Raya and Arteta pointed to the new Puma Premier League ball as a potential factor in conceding the free-kick goal.

Psychological Barrier at Anfield: Arsenal’s Anfield hoodoo continues—they haven’t won there for 13 years.