Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal PLAYER RATINGS: Who was 4/10 weak link Gunners?

Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick at the death secured Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Arsenal, handing them the early advantage in the race for the title.

It was a moment of magic from Szoboszlai that proved the difference in a game of few chances, his free-kick from 25 yards out dipping and swerving into the net.

The bolt from the blue came after Martin Zubimendi brought down Curtis Jones, and Szoboszlai’s lethal response made it three wins from three for the champions.

Here, Daily Mail Sport‘s LEWIS STEELE and ISAAN KHAN rated the players…

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)

By LEWIS STEELE at Anfield 

Alisson – 6

Saved well from Madueke’s early shot but had little to do otherwise. Distribution was a bit wayward at times.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8 (MOTM)

Won the game with one of the best free-kicks you will see. Also did a job on Martinelli when filling in at right back and started attacks.

Ibrahima Konate – 7.5

Still not perfect but this was a much better performance than the first two league games of the season when he looked shaky. The big Frenchman bullied Gyokeres.

Virgil van Dijk – 7

Defended well as ever but the moment he will replay in his head is when he won the ball high up the pitch and should have shot but opted to pass and the chance went begging.

Milos Kerkez – 7.5

Like Konate, he has not been at his best so far this season but this was a good outing and he did well against the tricky and pacy Madueke.

Ryan Gravenberch – 7.5 (Booked)

The best midfielder on the pitch for Liverpool – as is often the case to be honest – with some vital interceptions off the ball, also starting plenty of attacks.

Alexis Mac Allister – 5

Managed an hour after missing Monday’s trip to Newcastle through injury and, though there were some nice touches, the Argentine did not look fully fit.

Mohamed Salah – 6

A quiet start to the season if you compare it to his form last year as the Egyptian struggled to impact the game in an attacking sense.

Florian Wirtz – 6

Still a case of ‘more to come’ from Wirtz in a Liverpool shirt but some nice moments in this game.

Cody Gakpo – 5.5

Fans will want more from Gakpo in an overall sense despite a good start to the season with goals and assists. Quiet again today.

Hugo Ekitike – 6.5

Not amazing but did much more than Gyokeres in terms of his all-round game, when comparing the two new No 9s. Thought he had scored on the hour mark but Gakpo was offside.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (for Mac Allister, 61min) – 7

Federico Chiesa (for Ekitike, 79)

Joe Gomez (for Konate, 79)

Wataru Endo (for Wirtz, 89)

Not used: Mamardashvili, Bradley, Robertson, Elliott, Ngumoha.

Manager

Arne Slot – 7

Some of his substitutions were forced but credit the Dutchman for not settling for a draw as many managers would.

ARSENAL (4-3-3) 

By Isaan Khan

David Raya – 5.5

Lucky not to concede from giving the ball away to Virgil van Dijk on 34 minutes. Spilled the ball off a Florian Wirtz strike which Hugo Ekitike scored from – but he was offside.

Jurrien Timber – 6.5

Got stuck in with tackles and kept trying to push play forward for his attackers. A good display.

William Saliba – 6

Went off injured on five minutes after a clash with Hugo Ekitike. Big blow for Arsenal who will be hoping it’s not serious.

Gabriel  – 6.5

Was right up for the fight and a presence aerially. Had to step up with Saliba having exited so early in the match.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7 

Took up good positions defensively and looked a threat in the final third as he’s not afraid to shoot from distance or break the lines.

Mikel Merino – 6

Competitive in aerial duels. Went missing at times. Struggled to get into influential attacking scenarios.

Martin Zubimendi – 6.5

Important in protecting the backline, shielding them well with his positioning.

Declan Rice – 6

Set-pieces were unusually wayward, particularly one first-half free-kick which went miles over the bar.

Noni Madueke – 7.5 

Arsenal’s best attacking spark. Very impressive in his directness and constant drive to threaten the Liverpool defence. Troubled Milos Kerkez. Had a shot at goal saved on 22 minutes.

Viktor Gyokeres – 6

Some good hold-up play around the box, but would have definitely wanted more service from his team-mates.

Gabriel Martinelli – 4

The weak link in Arsenal’s frontline. Poor on the ball and seemed to be overthinking when he got into space. Should have played Gyokeres through on 10 minutes but didn’t have his head up.

Substitutes

Cristhian Mosquera – 6.5

Promising display. The 21-year-old was not deterred by having to come on so early for Saliba in a crunch match away from home. Defensively strong.

Martin Odegaard – 6

Eberechi Eze – 6.5

Max Dowman – N/A 

Manager

Mikel Arteta – 6.5

His side played well for most of the match — only to be outdone by a blockbuster Dominic Szoboszlai free-kick.