Arsenal fell to their first defeat of the season as they lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday. The Gunners were beaten by Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick on a day when they also lost William Saliba to injury.
The Gunners suffered a massive blow inside the opening five minutes when Saliba was forced off following a coming together with Hugo Ekitike. They did not let it effect them, however, as they largely kept the home side at arm’s length, while Noni Madueke forced Alisson Becker into a save after a corner fell to him on the edge of the box.
Neither side was willing to take too many risks in what was a low-octane affair for long periods. Liverpool thought, however, that they had taken the lead on the hour mark when Ekitike netted from close range, only for the linesman’s flag to rule the goal out as Cody Gakpo was offside in the build-up.
That seemed to spark Arne Slot’s side into life, but they needed a bolt from the blue to break the deadlock as Szoboszlai struck a superb 30-yard free-kick into the top corner to secure all three points for the defending champions.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Anfield…
Arsenal fell to their first defeat of the season as they lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday. The Gunners were beaten by Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick on a day when they also lost William Saliba to injury.
The Gunners suffered a massive blow inside the opening five minutes when Saliba was forced off following a coming together with Hugo Ekitike. They did not let it effect them, however, as they largely kept the home side at arm’s length, while Noni Madueke forced Alisson Becker into a save after a corner fell to him on the edge of the box.
Neither side was willing to take too many risks in what was a low-octane affair for long periods. Liverpool thought, however, that they had taken the lead on the hour mark when Ekitike netted from close range, only for the linesman’s flag to rule the goal out as Cody Gakpo was offside in the build-up.
That seemed to spark Arne Slot’s side into life, but they needed a bolt from the blue to break the deadlock as Szoboszlai struck a superb 30-yard free-kick into the top corner to secure all three points for the defending champions.
BALLGM rates Arsenal’s players from Anfield…
David Raya (6/10):
One poor pass into a dangerous area apart, never looked overly flustered, though he didn’t have that much to do aside from picking Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick out of his net.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
Solid up against his compatriot Gakpo and looked to get forward and support Madueke when possible
William Saliba (N/A):
Off with an injury after just five minutes after clashing with Ekitike.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Never troubled by Ekitike as he dominated at the heart of the Gunners’ backline.
Riccardo Calafiori (8/10):
Locked down Salah with some strong defending and carried the ball well out of defence. Had a couple of off-target shots.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Stepped in for Odegaard but couldn’t provide the same attacking spark. Did help shut down Mac Allister, though.
Martin Zubimendi (5/10):
Solid if unspectacular for the most part. Needed to take more risks with his passing while he was caught out by Jones’ movement, leading to the foul for the winning free-kick.
Declan Rice (5/10):
Did some excellent defensive work and never stopped running. Set-piece deliveries, though, were poor on a day when the Gunners needed to make their dead-ball situations count.
Noni Madueke (8/10):
Used his electric pace to leave Kerkez chasing shadows on more than one occasion, and forced Alisson into his only save of note. Ensured Saka wasn’t really missed.
Viktor Gyokeres (3/10):
Just could not get himself involved at all. Booked in the second half of another frustrating display on the road.
Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):
A couple of decent defensive moments aside, he offered little for Arteta’s side. Seems to be lacking in confidence.
Cristhian Mosquera (7/10):
On for Saliba in the opening five minutes and did not look fazed as he dealt well with Ekitike.
Eberechi Eze (6/10):
Made a couple of dangerous, driving runs in his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
Couldn’t conjure up a moment of magic after being thrown on in the 70th minute.
Max Dowman (N/A):
Chucked on in the 89th minute.
Mikel Arteta (5/10):
His side might have been undone by a world-class strike, but they didn’t take the risks required to try and win the game beforehand. His Anfield hoodoo remains.
