Match: Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal (Premier League, Anfield, 1 September 2025)
A defensive battle ended with Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick goal in the 83rd minute, giving Liverpool a crucial win over title rivals Arsenal.
Summary and statistics:
- Liverpool had 53% possession and 9 shots (3 on target) versus Arsenal’s 11 shots (1 on target). Both teams registered 0.49 expected goals (xG).
- The xG map showed Liverpool more dangerous in open play (0.42 xG vs Arsenal’s 0.30), while Arsenal threatened more from set pieces.
- PPDA metrics highlight a conservative pressing approach: Arsenal pressed slightly higher (PPDA 11.2 vs Liverpool’s 12.1), with both sides focusing on risk minimisation.
Top stats
| Metric | Liverpool | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Ball possession | 53% | 47% |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.49 | 0.49 |
| Total shots | 9 | 11 |
| Shots on target | 3 | 1 |
| Shots inside box | 5 | 8 |
| Accurate passes | 85% | 82% |
| Fouls committed | 7 | 10 |
| Corners | 8 | 3 |
Player ratings:
- Dominik Szoboszlai – 9/10: Scored the decisive free-kick and controlled midfield.
- Ibrahima Konaté – 8/10: Commanding in defence, making several crucial interventions.
- Virgil van Dijk – 8/10: Rock solid at the back, winning aerial duels.
- Milos Kerkez – 8/10: Energetic performance at left-back, effective in both phases.
- Ryan Gravenberch – 7/10: Worked tirelessly in midfield and linked play.
- Alexis Mac Allister – 6/10: Recovered from injury to start, but looked off the pace.
- Florian Wirtz – 5/10: Struggled to influence the game before going off with cramp.
Player stats (Liverpool)
| Player | Rating | Min | G | A | xG | xA | xG+xA | Def cont |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominik Szoboszlai | 8.5 | 90 | 1 | 0 | 0.17 | 0.03 | 0.20 | 2 |
| Alisson Becker | 8.1 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 5 |
| Milos Kerkez | 7.8 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.05 | 0.02 | 0.07 | 4 |
| Ryan Gravenberch | 7.7 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.10 | 3 |
| Florian Wirtz | 7.6 | 89 | 0 | 0 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.13 | 2 |
| Virgil van Dijk | 7.3 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.03 | 6 |
| Alexis Mac Allister | 7.2 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.06 | 2 |
| Cody Gakpo | 7.2 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.04 | 0.02 | 0.06 | 1 |
| Ibrahima Konaté | 6.9 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 5 |
Injuries:
- Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konaté left the field with cramp; both are expected to return for the Burnley match on 14 September.
- Jeremie Frimpong is recovering from a hamstring injury and should return after the international break.
Transfer/contract update:
- Liverpool’s summer spending spree saw eight players sign, headlined by Alexander Isak (£125m), with sales generating around £190m. A net spend of ~£245m keeps the club within financial rules.
- Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have signed new deals to stay at Anfield.
Tactical analysis:
- Both sides played risk-averse football, prioritising ball security and patient build-up. Arsenal’s high line and disciplined shape limited Liverpool’s chances, while Liverpool looked to break quickly through wide areas.
- The winning free-kick came after sustained pressure; Szoboszlai curled a right-footed shot over the wall into the top corner.
Highlights:
- For a full match recap and highlights, visit Sky Sports highlights – Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal.
Next fixture:
- Liverpool travel to Burnley on 14 September after the international break.
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