Arne Slot drew first blood against Mikel Arteta as Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners over Arsenal at Anfield.
The Reds have failed to beat Arsenal on their last three trips to Merseyside, and the match needed a moment of magic to separate the two Premier League title favourites.
Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a thunderous 32-yard free-kick past David Raya in the 83rd minute after the cagey affair at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike thought he had found the opener, but his effort was quickly ruled out for offside after Cody Gakpo pounced on the rebound from Florian Wirtz’s effort.
Liverpool fans were disappointed with Wirtz’s performance on the day, particularly in the first half, but the German, like his teammates, looked more lively after the half-time interval.
Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta believes Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal was “incredible”
When speaking at his post-match press conference at Arsenal, Arteta explained that he had done everything possible to win the match at Anfield but was ultimately thwarted by a “magic moment” from Szoboszlai.
“We didn’t do our gameplan to frustrate them; we did it to win it. I think we elevated the game and the dominance to a point that they had to raise it. They did, especially from the 60-78th minute, when then you could see that there were no margins in the game.
“When that happens, the game is going to be decided in two ways. One, with an individual error, and two, with a magic moment. Szoboszlai created a moment that was incredible, that has won the game, and that was the difference, nothing else.”
Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Hungarian has been phenomenal at right-back for the Reds, starting with the 3-2 win against Newcastle United as he deputises for the injured Jeremie Frimpong.
Szoboszlai was widely tipped to be the midfielder from the original three to be sacrificed for Wirtz, and it looked likely he would lose his place in the starting lineup once Alexis Mac Allister returned from injury after Slot criticised Szoboszlai after his error against Bournemouth.
However, Szoboszlai looks revitalised at Anfield, and his free-kick goal on Sunday is the culmination of his hard work and determination to remain a key player in Slot’s plans this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai will be an important player for Liverpool
The 24-year-old has big boots to fill – Steven Gerrard admitted Szoboszlai is like him, and at the moment, he is certainly having a Gerrard-like influence on the squad.
Mac Allister looked well below the pace of the game, albeit he is only just returning from injury, and perhaps Slot shouldn’t have rushed the Argentine back into the starting lineup.
After the international break, Slot will face a selection dilemma, and supporters could see club-record signing Wirtz lose his place for the time being.
The German has not adapted to the Premier League as seamlessly as Ekitike has. Jurgen Klopp would often leave his new signings on the bench until he was confident in their ability to perform; it may be time for Slot to take note.