Liverpool defeated Arsenal at Anfield, securing three points against a side billed as Arne Slot's closest rivals to the Premier League title.
Champions last term, Liverpool saw off the Gunners thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular free kick late on, the Hungarian machine operating in a makeshift right-back berth and playing with the gusto and guile of Trent Alexander-Arnold in his Redman pomp.
Dominik Szoboszlai scores for Liverpool-1
Dominik Szoboszlai scores for Liverpool
An all-encompassing display, the 24-year-old took all the plaudits post-match, his contribution maintaining a sustained flawless start to Slot's Premier League title defence, nine points from nine.
Szoboszlai's "masterpiece"
Fabrizio Romano marvelled at the "masterpiece" of a performance from Szoboszlai, playing once again at right-back and doing so like a seasoned veteran in the position, emphasising his versatility.
He locked up Arsenal left winger Gabriel Martinelli and made six clearances across the 90, expertly rejecting Gunner advances into the Liverpool box.
In fact, it wouldn't be out of the question to suggest that Szoboszlai has staked his claim to an enduring role on the defensive flank, so dynamic and athletic and tenacious.
However, Szoboszlai wasn't the only Liverpool star to have made a positive impact in a much-improved defensive display.
Virgil van Dijk was as redoubtable as ever, and Ibrahima Konate looked back to his best, fending off Viktor Gyokeres with ease. The Swede didn't manage a single shot at Anfield on Sunday.
Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Liverpool
Dominik Szoboszlai in action for Liverpool
But it was Szoboszlai's compatriot, Kerkez, who produced a brilliant performance at left-back, so much better than the opening weeks of the term.
Kerkez vs Arsenal in numbers
Kerkez was up against it on the left, battling against the electric-paced Noni Madueke, who did well in the injured Bukayo Saka's stead, a constant threat for Mikel Arteta's men.
Milos Kerkez and Noni Madueke
Part of the 2024/25 Premier League Team of the Season, it wouldn't be unfair to say that Kerkez, 21, has endured a testing start to his Liverpool career, shipping two goals in each of his opening three fixtures before playing a fantastic game against Arsenal, shutting the visitors out.
Having joined from Bournemouth for £40m, Kerkez is looking to succeed, in the long term, the newly-appointed Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson, and this was a display which proved he has the skill to do exactly that.
The Liverpool Echo only handed him a 7/10 match rating, although they acknowledged his diligent defending and crispness on the ball.
Kerkez vs Arsenal
Minutes played
Goals
Assists
Touches
Accurate passes
Key passes
Dribbles
Tackles
Clearances
Duels won
Data via Sofascore
It says a lot that Kerkez wasn't dribbled past even once, and that he won all five of his ground duels. Now we see why sporting director Richard Hughes was so keen on snapping him up.
Kerkez might not have had a defining moment like his countryman, but his efforts against Arsenal's biggest attacking outlet contributed toward a priceless victory for Slot's side.
It was easily his most refined and cultured performance in a Liverpool shirt, one which suggests Liverpool have a superstar in the making on their hands.
The best is yet to come, but that was a delicious taste of the left-back's incredible quality and potential.