Final Whistle: Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal

Arsenal’s impressive undefeated streak against the Premier League’s traditional Big Six finally came to an end. In a tense, low-chance encounter at Anfield, Liverpool edged Arsenal 1–0 thanks to a stunning 83rd-minute free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Key Turning Point: Szoboszlai’s Thunderbolt

In the cagey match, with few clear chances, nothing seemed set to break the deadlock until Dominique Szoboszlai, playing in a makeshift right-back role, hammered in a 32-yard screaming free-kick that clipped the post and beat David Raya. That solitary strike proved enough.

Painful Blow: Saliba’s Early Exit

Disaster struck less than five minutes into the game when William Saliba went down injured following a collision with Hugo Ekitike. He limped off, replaced by summer signing Christian Mosquera, handing Arsenal an immediate defensive test.

Arsenal’s Depleted Ranks

Even before kick-off, Mikel Arteta saw key absences drain the squad:

Bukayo Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Kai Havertz also missed out.

Captain Martin Ødegaard was restricted to a bench role due to fitness concerns.

That left Arsenal thin on options in key roles injury chaos met reality on the pitch.

Strategic Snapshot: Performance to Context

Element Impact on the Match

Squad Depth Wounded early by Saliba’s injury and missing creative options like Saka and Havertz, Arsenal’s defensive and attacking balance suffered.

Tactical Tweak Arteta’s reshuffled defense held firm for the most part but lacked cohesion without key lieutenants.

Set-Piece Breakdown Szoboszlai’s dead-ball technique exposed Arsenal’s momentary concentration lapse in a tight contest.

Tactical Notes & Atmosphere

For most of the first half, both sides defended well few opportunities materialized. Arsenal’s makeshift backline held firm under pressure, with Liverpool also struggling to carve openings.

VAR duties were handled with caution, with one offside and a handball check not changing the board.

Despite the late setback, Arsenal tried to stir things post-free-kick introducing Eberechi Eze and Ødegaard to inject creativity but Liverpool’s defense held.

What This Really Means

Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run against Big Six clubs stretching back to April 2023 has been snapped.

It’s a sobering moment, especially with such a thin squad facing injury chaos.

Meanwhile, this marks another long-running, league victory drought at Anfield Arsenal haven’t won there in 13 years.