Liverpool will head into the international break at the top of the Premier League table following the 1-0 win against Arsenal.
The Reds drew first blood at Anfield in a clash between two of the favourites for the league title this season after a rocky start.
Arsenal were predicted to beat Liverpool on Sunday, and the Gunners started the match as the more lively of the two sides.
However, the Reds came out after the half-time interval with a vengeance and found the back of the net via Hugo Ekitike, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.
Dominik Szoboszlai, on the other hand, stepped up to produce a moment of magic as the Hungarian rifled in a 32-yard free-kick to give his side the lead and ultimately a monumental three points.
But Arne Slot reserved his praise for another member of his Liverpool squad, who rose above the noise to deliver a dominant cameo at Anfield.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, acknowledges the fans following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Arne Slot reserves praise for Joe Gomez
When speaking live on Sky Sports after the final whistle, Slot made note of Joe Gomez’s performance on Sunday while addressing questions regarding the ongoing speculation about potential new signings.
“Joe Gomez (was) outstanding when he came in. Another time where someone who came in, and Curtis Jones by the way as well, had a very good impact also.”
“I could only not take one player into the game, so I had to leave one out, and that was the centre-back Giovanni Leoni. So I think we’re quite well, in terms of centre backs, Wataru (Endo) can still play there, Joe did a tremendous job, and I think it is only cramp (Ibrahima Konate), but we have to find out in the upcoming days.”
"I don't think it's a surprise that we are trying took if we can strengthen the squad"
Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he is happy with his squad but is still looking to strengthen before the window ends 🔴 pic.twitter.com/C3nQpEfvRF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
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Gomez is facing an uncertain future at Liverpool amid recent reports suggesting Crystal Palace want the Englishman to move to Selhurst Park on loan as part of the deal to bring Marc Guehi to Anfield.
The 28-year-old is the club’s longest-serving player, having arrived from Charlton Athletic for £3.5 million in 2015, but the Reds have considered selling Gomez this summer as opposed to loaning him out.
David Raya’s long balls to Noni Madueke caused constant problems for the Reds, particularly for Milos Kerkez, after Slot said Arsenal are “one of the best teams” at playing out from the back.
Gomez emerged from the bench to replace Ibrahima Konate and helped the Liverpool defence nullify the opposition threat, and now he has the international break to return to full match fitness.
Joe Gomez still has a role to play for Liverpool
Indeed, Gomez’s fitness track record leaves a lot to be desired, but there is still a place for him among the Liverpool squad if he is willing to stay.
It is highly unlikely that Slot will throw Giovanni Leoni into a Premier League starting lineup until the Italian has had time to adapt to life in England.
And with Konate proving once again that he cannot be solely relied upon with his poor injury record, there will be plenty of opportunities to impress.
Furthermore, none of the senior defenders in the squad boast the versatility that Gomez has; he can operate anywhere across the backline and could be a vital player for Slot this season.