HIGHLIGHTS AND PLAYERS ‼️ LIVERPOOL 1 — 0 ARSENAL

A tight game needed a world-class moment, and it came from one of Liverpool’s standout players so far this season. Here’s how we rated the 1-0 win over Arsenal.

 

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal

Premier League (3) | Anfield

August 31, 2025

 

Goals: Szoboszlai 83′

 

Alisson – 7 (out of 10)

Wasn’t tested much thanks to the performances of those in front of him, and Arsenal only had one shot on target.

 

Swept up when needed and was on hand to pick up the pieces in the area.

 

Dominik Szoboszlai – 10 – Man of the Match

Playing out of position again at right-back, and once again showed he is a genuinely good option in the role.

 

Brings the technique and passing ability that make him such a good midfielder into a position that is now pretty much an extra midfielder anyway.

 

Then you add the dynamism that allows him to get up and down the flank.

 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

Then you remember he is also a world-class striker of the ball, as he hits one of the best free-kicks you see all season.

 

At the moment, it feels like there’s nothing he can’t do for Liverpool.

 

Ibrahima Konate – 9

A nice bit of Van Dijk-like defending early on when Arsenal countered, waiting for Gabriel Martinelli to make his move and then reacting, stopping the attack and winning a goal kick.

 

His physical presence was vital against an Arsenal team that likes to throw their weight around, especially at set-pieces.

 

Completed 43 out of 43 passes attempted, but picked up an injury in the second half and had to go off.

 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

Virgil van Dijk – 9

Should have shot when through on goal following some good high pressing. Needs to remember he used to take free-kicks while at Celtic.

 

Some great passing, long and short. Really comfortable on the ball.

 

Made a number of important blocks, and looks to have fully recovered to his dominant best in recent games.

 

Milos Kerkez – 9

Tested by Noni Madueke throughout in what was one of the key battles of the match.

 

Madueke had the edge on him for pace, but Kerkez still managed to hold his own and make some excellent interventions.

 

One tackle in the area in the first half was especially notable. Get the timing wrong on that and it’s a penalty, but he got it spot on.

 

An encouraging performance in his toughest test yet, and one of the toughest he’ll face all season.

 

 

 

Ryan Gravenberch – 7

Dropped between the centre-backs during deep build-up play and helped Liverpool keep their shape.

 

An unnecessary trip on Riccardo Calafiori, who was about to lose the ball anyway, resulted in a needless yellow card.

 

Tried to recreate his goal against Newcastle with no luck, but was an important tactical piece defensively.

 

Alexis Mac Allister – 7

Still returning to match fitness which meant he looked laboured at times physically, and couldn’t get into the game as much as he would like to.

 

Arsenal going three against two in that area didn’t help, but he put in a shift and did as much as he could before being the first to be subbed.

 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

Florian Wirtz – 7

Spritely, great pressing, and though the often-overhit passing didn’t always find its target, the ideas were there and were good ones.

 

Managed to get a shot off on goal that David Raya couldn’t handle, but Cody Gakpo was offside on the follow-up. Hit another shot really well, but it was blocked before it could reach the goal.

 

Promising again, but not quite at full flow yet, following these physical fixtures at the start of the season. Things should get easier for him.

 

Mohamed Salah – 7

Often good until the last bit of the move, troubling Calafiori, but, like Wirtz, not enough to make a difference in the final moment.

 

See, it’s not just the new guy who couldn’t quite hit his stride!

 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

 

 

Cody Gakpo – 7

Always a player who is eyeing up goal and looking to get a shot away, performing his familiar move of cutting inside from the left onto his right foot.

 

Tested Raya in the second half, having seen an earlier shot drift wide, but it wasn’t enough of a test.

 

Not the most eye-catching in general play, but always has the potential to make something happen.

 

Hugo Ekitike – 7

Led the press well and provided a focal point, but chances were hard to come by against this stingy Arsenal defence.

 

Played a role nevertheless, keeping Liverpool solid and in the game and in with a chance.

 

Overall Team Performance – 8

 

 

Substitutes

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

 

 

Curtis Jones (on for Mac Allister, 61′) – 7 – Was an ideal sub at an ideal time. Liverpool needed some calm and control to ensure they remained the team looking to win the game rather than looking to not lose it.

 

Joe Gomez (on for Konate, 79′) – 7 – Might not have expected to feature again given the rumours surrounding a possible exit, but came in and did a professional job to a high level, as he has throughout his Liverpool career.

 

Federico Chiesa (on for Ekitike, 79′) – N/A

 

Wataru Endo (on for Wirtz, 89′) – N/A

 

Subs not used: Mamardashvili, Elliott, Robertson, Bradley, Ngumoha

 

 

 

Arne Slot – 8

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Sunday, August 31, 2025: Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot celebrates with goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai following the final whistle during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 

Arsenal went with a compact midfield, mostly a three, causing Liverpool to be outnumbered in the middle at times and forcing Wirtz to drop deeper, making him less effective in certain moments.

 

Liverpool’s press didn’t always seem efficient from the front, but Arsenal still struggled to play around it at times. Maybe it was a trap. It led to some chances for the Reds, anyway.

 

If the plan was to stay in the game against a tough team and take a chance, or find a moment of quality when you can, then it worked.

 

Subs were good and well-timed, and the Liverpool boss goes into the international break content.

 

Player ratings definitions: 10 = Faultless | 9 = Excellent | 8 = Very Good | 7 = Good | 6 = Average | 5 = Below Par | 4 = Bad | 3 = Very Bad | 2 Awful | 1 = Surely Not

 

Make Your Ratings

Liverpool vs Arsenal (H) Avg

1. Alisson Becker

—

7.6

5. I. Konaté (↓79′)

—

8.1

6. M. Kerkez

—

8.4

4. V. van Dijk

—

8.3

10. A. Mac Allister (↓61′)

—

6.3

8. D. Szoboszlai

—

9.7

7. F. Wirtz (↓89′)

—

6.3

38. R. Gravenberch

—

6.9

18. C. Gakpo

—

6.5

22. H. Ekitiké (↓79′)

—

6.3

11. Mohamed Salah

—

5.3

17. C. Jones (↑61′)

—

6.8

14. F. Chiesa (↑79′)

—

6.4

2. J. Gomez (↑79′)

—

7.5

3. W. Endo (↑89′)

—

6.6

 

Arsenal, Liverpool vs Arsenal, Premier League

 

 

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Liverpool lineup vs. Arsenal confirmed: 1 change, Szoboszlai stays at right-back

 

 

ARSENAL PLAYERS RATINGS

David Raya 6

 

Guilty of the odd loose pass out from the back, but otherwise his distribution was good. Beaten by a stunning free-kick.

 

Jurrien Timber 8

 

Did well up against his Dutch team-mate Cody Gakpo. Won the physical battle and was a threat when getting forward.

 

William Saliba N/A

 

Off after just a matter of minutes after picking up an injury when challenging for a header. Arsenal’s bad luck with injuries strikes again.

 

Gabriel 7

 

A strong performance from the Brazilian, who took the armband in Martin Odegaard’s absence. An utter rock at the back.

 

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Riccardo Calafiori 7

 

Continued his good form this season by keeping Mohamed Salah quiet for much of the game. Restrained himself from overlapping as much as he usually does.

 

Mikel Merino 7

 

Brought into the midfield, with Odegaard only fit enough for the bench. Tirelessly defensively and led the Arsenal press.

 



 

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Martin Zubimendi 7

 

Sat deep with Rice and held up way in what was, at times, a physical game. Influence on this side is growing each week.

 

Declan Rice 8 | Star player

 

A classic ‘Declan Rice performance’ from the midfielder. Felt like he was everywhere and made a number of vital blocks and interceptions.

 

Noni Madueke 7

 

Was bright from the off and had a great battle with Milos Kerkez. The most dangerous of Arsenal’s front-three.

 

Viktor Gyokeres 6

 

Did not get much change out of Liverpool’s centre-backs. Created a good chance for Timber in the first half, but was otherwise quiet.

 

Gabriel Martinelli 5

 

A frustrating afternoon for the Brazilian. Did not cause Dominik Szoboszlai enough problems, but did work hard defensively.

 

Substitutions

 

Cristhian Mosquera (Saliba 5’) 8

 

Thrown into a huge game after five minutes and rose to the occasion. Impressive given he’s only 21.

 

Eberechi Eze (Martinelli 70’) 6

 

On for his Arsenal debut and was lively. Looks primed to start against Nottingham Forest.

 

Martin Odegaard (Merino 70’) 6

 

Not fit enough to start due to a shoulder injury. Almost created a chance for Gyokores with a delightful through-ball.

 

Max Dowman (Madueke 89’) N/A

 

Subs not used: Kepa, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Trossard, Harriman-Annous.