**Arsenal:** Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Merino, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli
**Subs:** Kepa, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Dowman, Eze, Trossard, Harriman-Annous
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the 2025/26 season after losing 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, following a late goal from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Mikel Arteta made two changes from the team that crushed Leeds last time out, with Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli replacing Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in the line-up.
Odegaard was only deemed fit enough for the bench after his shoulder injury, with four Hale End teenagers alongside him.
**FIRST HALF**
It was a competitive start from both teams although Arsenal were forced into an early change (shock) when William Saliba took a knock after colliding with Hugo Ekitike, and he was swiftly replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.
Arteta was visibly frustrated on the touchline and his frustration would last a few minutes more when Gabriel Martinelli wasted an exciting counter opportunity, carrying the ball 60 yards before running into Ibrahima Konate and losing the ball.
The first 20 minutes were very duel-heavy and without much rhythm, as both sides looked to set their frontline away in transition. There was another encouraging moment for the visitors when Noni Madueke ran in behind Milos Kerkez, although the defender ended up recovering well before conceding a corner.
Liverpool struggled to assert themselves in the opening half hour and Arsenal looked very assured out of possession – in possession they were fine – although there was a heart in mouth moment of their own making.
David Raya played the ball to Zubimendi who was being pressured by Virgil van Dijk, who read the pass (maybe fouling Zubimendi in the process) but instead of shooting he looked to square the ball and Arsenal recovered quickly.
Moments later, Madueke found himself isolated against Kerkez again before cutting inside and seeing his shot blocked by the Hungarian, who was clearly uncomfortable with sticking or twisting with the forward.
There was another sight of goal for the Gunners when Merino played Viktor Gyokeres in behind, who set back for Jurrien Timber whose shot was blocked by Virgil van Dijk, with Konate deflecting a follow up effort out for a corner.
Liverpool were becoming increasingly frustrated with Arsenal’s physical approach but it was fair, strong and the ball couldn’t stick to Ekitike or Mohamed Salah at all. Their fans weren’t happy either but the half-time whistle probably came at a good time for them.
**SECOND HALF**
Neither side made changes at the break, although the game followed a similar pattern – quite physical and messy in midfield and transition moments most important. Madueke continued to impress and was giving Kerkez a torrid time, with his pace and power proving a key outlet for the Gunners.
Bang on the hour mark, Liverpool did have the ball in the net after Florian Wirtz stung the palms of Raya before his spilled effort was bundled home by a combination of Cody Gakpo and Ekitike, although the Dutchman was clearly offside.
Liverpool were slowly beginning to take charge of the game though, and the visitors were looking increasingly tired which kicked Arteta into action – Eberechi Eze and Odegaard both introduced with 20 minutes to play – replacing Martinelli and Merino.
There was a nearly moment with both substitutes combining neatly on the edge of the box, but Konate did well to clear a clever reverse pass from Odegaard with Gyokeres waiting menacingly behind.
With the game flittering towards full time, Curtis Jones managed to find space between the Arsenal lines and was fouled by Zubimendi, before Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and hit a perfect free kick straight into the top corner. [1-0](https://streamff.com/v/fa0f6a18).
Liverpool had grown in confidence during the second half but created very little, until the Hungarian hit a perfect shot – in off the post – beyond Raya.
The Gunners continued to push for an equaliser with Liverpool bunkering in, but every set piece and long throw was being cleared without much trouble. Arteta’s men had played well for the most part but lacked conviction in the final third when it truly mattered.
This result will be a hard one to take, especially having fought without several key players but there’s time for Arsenal to regroup and go again after the international break.