Liverpool news as Peter Schmeichel delivers a scathing assessment of Arsenal's performance at Anfield during the Premier League clash on Sunday
Arsenal players during the Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield on August 31
Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 on Sunday(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has admitted that he wanted Liverpool to beat Arsenal on Sunday due to what he has called an "ugly" style of play.
Arne Slot's men made it three wins from three at Anfield thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's perfect second-half free-kick. Hugo Ekitike also had a goal disallowed when Cody Gakpo was deemed offside after Florian Wirtz's shot was saved.
The game was labelled as an early-season title decider with both Liverpool and Arsenal tipped to be at the top of the table come May. Fortunately for the Reds, it went their way meaning they have a three-point lead over the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta's had the better of the first half on Merseyside but failed to make their dominance pay, something Gary Neville criticised during Sky Sports' coverage of the game. But Schmeichel was brutal with his assessment on how the north Londoners performed.
Despite his success at United, the former goalkeeper admitted that he wanted Liverpool to beat Arsenal due to the way they played. "I can honestly say that I have never in my life wanted Liverpool to win a game of football more than I did today," he said on the broadcaster ViaPlay's coverage of the game.
"I was really disappointed and, in a way, a little bit angry with the way that Arsenal played this game. Their approach to the game - we built it up as one of the biggest games of the season, how important it is and what we are looking forward to.
"We want a really good game of football and what they bring to Anfield is an ugly brand of football. When you play like that for 82 minutes and then you go 1-0 down, it's impossible to change and come back.
"And I think with the talent they have - just look at the names on the teamsheet today and also the names on the bench - let them loose, let them play football.
"I am absolutely convinced that if Arteta lets this team play football, they will be more competitive, they will be more entertaining and they will win games."
Follow transfer deadline day live with the ECHO
Transfer deadline day is almost upon us and Liverpool still have business to do. It's already been a busy summer for the Premier League champions but they could still pull off a couple of blockbuster signings as the window comes to a close.
Alexander Isak's future remains unresolved, with the striker refusing to play or train for Newcastle United. Liverpool remain interested in a deal for the Swede.
Meanwhile, Marc Guehi has been a player of interest all summer and Liverpool could still launch a last-minute deal for the Crystal Palace defender.
You can keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and receive updates directly to your phone by subscribing to our LFC newsletters or joining our WhatsApp community below:
You can also follow LivEchoLFC on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook, or listen to our podcasts on Spotify or YouTube by searching for Blood Red.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.