Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stunning free-kick as Liverpool beat Arsenal in an early-season showdown between two Premier League title contenders.
The Gunners were hit by an early blow in the first half when William Saliba went off injured and had to be replaced by Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera. But despite the setback, the visitors were bright and positive at the home of the champions, creating some promising attacks primarily through right winger Noni Madueke in the early exchanges.
In what was at times a scrappy first 45 minutes, Liverpool had a golden chance to score when Virgil van Dijk intercepted a slack pass by Arsenal keeper David Raya, but Alexis Mac Allister’s eventual shot was blocked, as the first half ended goalless.
The second half was equally closely fought, until Szoboszlai’s late free-kick from range gave Liverpool the lead. And despite the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman late in the piece, Liverpool held on.
Follow reaction to Liverpool v Arsenal in the Premier League blow.
Liverpool v Arsenal live: Updates as title rivals clash in Premier League
- Liverpool beat Arsenal in early clash of Premier League title rivals at Anfield
- Dominik Szoboszlai's superb free-kick was the only goal of the game
- VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
- Alexis Mac Allister starts; Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard on bench for Arsenal
- 83' GOAL! Szoboszlai scores stunning free-kick from 32 yards [LIV 1-0 ARS]
- 60' DISALLOWED GOAL! Ekitike has the ball in the net but Gakpo offside in build-up [LIV 0-0 ARS]
- 4' INJURY! Saliba forced off within first five minutes [LIV 0-0 ARS]
Liverpool FC 1 - 0 Arsenal FC
When does the transfer window close and what time is the deadline?
05:00 , Chris WilsonToday marks transfer deadline day, with a number of big moves still to be completed.
Several clubs have made notable additions between now and the end of last season, with a mini-window that opened up ahead of the Club World Cup facilitating moves for players including Matheus Cunha, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rayan Cherki among others.
And the transfers have ramped up since the window re-opened on 16 June, with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Viktor Gyokeres reaching into £60m territory while Liverpool paid a club-record £100m for Florian Wirtz, with that deal potentially becoming a Premier League record.
Almost every club in the Premier League remains keen on at least one addition before the end of the window, with the deadline to secure the last few deals fast approaching.
Here’s everything you need to know about the final days of the transfer window:
When does the transfer window close and what time is the deadline?
James Milner dedicates Brighton goal to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota
04:00 , Chris WilsonJames Milner celebrated his first Premier League goal in six years with a tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota as the veteran midfielder equalised for Brighton against Manchester City.
The 39-year-old, who had come on as a second-half substitute, converted his penalty past City goalkeeper James Trafford before sitting on the turf and replicating Jota’s trademark “video game” celebration.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in July. Milner attended Jota’s funeral in Portugal and, at the beginning of this season, changed his shirt number at Brighton from 6 to 20, the number Jota wore at Liverpool, and which has now been retired by the club.
James Milner dedicates Brighton goal to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota
Furious Nicolas Jackson refuses Chelsea return after Bayern Munich move called off
03:00 , Chris WilsonChelsea have cancelled Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munichafter Liam Delap was ruled out for “six to eight weeks” following their controversial 2-0 win over Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Delap limped off with a hamstring problem 13 minutes into the west London derby, and after head coach Enzo Maresca initially refused to rule out the club reentering the transfer market with just over 48 hours of the window remaining, the decision has been taken to inform Bayern that Jackson will be staying.
However, PA understands that the 24-year-old, who has already landed in Germany, is furious with the club’s U-turn.
Furious Nicolas Jackson refuses Chelsea return after Bayern Munich move called off
Yoane Wissa urges Brentford to ‘keep their word’ in bombshell transfer statement
02:00 , Chris WilsonYoane Wissa has urged Brentford to ‘keep their word’ and allow him to leave before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The 28-year-old posted on Instagram claiming the club has “significantly changed its position” having previously “put in writing” that he could depart should a fair offer be made.
Newcastle had an offer of £35million plus add-ons rejected earlier in August for the forward who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
Yoane Wissa urges Brentford to ‘keep their word’ in bombshell transfer statement
When does the transfer window close and what time is the deadline?
01:00 , Chris WilsonTransfer deadline day is fast approaching with a number of big moves still to be completed.
Several clubs have made notable additions between now and the end of last season, with a mini-window that opened up ahead of the Club World Cup facilitating moves for players including Matheus Cunha, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rayan Cherki among others.
And the transfers have ramped up since the window re-opened on 16 June, with moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Viktor Gyokeres reaching into £60m territory while Liverpool paid a club-record £100m for Florian Wirtz, with that deal potentially becoming a Premier League record.
Almost every club in the Premier League remains keen on at least one addition before the end of the window, with the deadline to secure the last few deals fast approaching.
Here’s everything you need to know about the final days of the transfer window:
When does the transfer window close and what time is the deadline?
Joao Pedro elevates Chelsea past Fulham but VAR farce prompts vital question
00:00 , Chris WilsonA comfortable win for Chelsea in the end over London rivals Fulham, but the jarring feeling from yet another Premier League game was the influence of VAR.
At each painstaking moment, a referee blows his whistle and signals his intent to use a pitchside monitor, a little bit of enthusiasm dies inside each supporter.
And yet again, here at Stamford Bridge, the joy and delight of 18-year-old academy product Joshua King, seconds after putting his club in front against their bitter rivals, was extinguished.
Joao Pedro elevates Chelsea past Fulham but VAR farce prompts vital question
Man City vulnerabilities resurface in second shock defeat in a row
23:00 , Chris WilsonBrajan Gruda rolled home a dramatic late winner as Brighton roared back to stun Manchester City with a thrilling 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium.
Seagulls midfielder Gruda raced clear to calmly finish in the 89th minute after fellow substitute James Milner became the second-oldest scorer in Premier League history by converting a penalty against his former club.
Erling Haaland stabbed City into a first-half lead on his 100th English top-flight appearance but also failed to capitalise on a host of other openings.
Man City vulnerabilities resurface in second shock defeat in a row
Manchester United tell a familiar, worrying tale despite last-gasp win over Burnley
22:30 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim sat back in his dugout, feet up, looking drained. Then he turned to face the supporters. After opting not to watch 26 penalties at Grimsby, Manchester United’s fate came down to one against Burnley. Amorim didn’t see this, either. Bruno Fernandes, looking rather less nervous than his manager, drilled it under Martin Dubravka for a 97th-minute decider. United, the club that sing about having won “the lot”, had finally won a game this season.
They did it the hard way; perhaps the ludicrous way. Yet in a tale of penalties, missed at Grimsby and revoked in Manchester, there came a reminder that Fernandes has the mettle and mentality required. He had converted twice in the shootout at Blundell Park but blazed over at Fulham last week.
Man Utd tell a familiar, worrying tale despite last-gasp win over Burnley
Liverpool 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after nightmare league phase draw
22:00 , Chris WilsonLiverpool have learned their upcoming Champions League opponents after the league phase draw and will welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid back to Anfield in a blockbuster draw for the six-time European champions.
Arne Slot’s side topped the Champions League standings after last year’s inaugural league phase, but their European campaign ultimately ended in disappointment after a quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
It remained a memorable year for the Reds, of course, as they lifted the Premier League title for just the second time in 30 years, which can add to Liverpool’s belief as they return to the Champions League under Slot.
Nightmare Liverpool Champions League fixtures revealed after 2025/26 draw
Gunners to be active in the market tomorrow?
21:45 , Chris WilsonWith transfer deadline day tomorrow, Arsenal look set to complete a deal for Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie on loan with an option to buy.
However, it looks like that is the only deal Arsenal will do, even with the potential injury to Saliba.
Arsenal 2025/26 Champions League fixtures: Opponents revealed after kind draw
21:30 , Chris WilsonArsenal will take on Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in this season’s Champions League in an otherwise kind draw for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners suffered heartache in their pursuit of a first men’s Champions League title last season and now look to go one step better under Arteta.
They reached the semi-finals for just the second time, losing to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 on aggregate - leading to Arteta’s surprise assessment that they had been the best team in the Champions League that year.
Arsenal 2025/26 Champions League fixtures revealed after kind draw
Arsenal hit by William Saliba injury blow in Premier League clash with Liverpool
21:15 , Chris WilsonArsenal were hit by a major blow as William Saliba limped off injured early in their Premier League clash with champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Saliba went down after an innocious clash with Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike and received treatment on the field, before being led off and down the tunnel. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta later revealed that Saliba had twisted his ankle in the warm-up, but tried to start the game before feeling discomfort.
Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera replaced him in a major test for the 21-year-old against Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Mosquera joined Arsenal this summer in a £13m transfer from boyhood club Valencia.
Arsenal hit by William Saliba injury blow in Premier League clash with Liverpool
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya points to new Puma ball after conceding long-range free-kick at Liverpool
21:00 , Chris WilsonArsenal goalkeeper David Raya pointed out the introduction of “the new balls” as he attempted to explain the superb Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick that gave Liverpool a win over the Gunners on Sunday night.
Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners in the Premier League clash at Anfield after a match in which Arsenal controlled plenty of the tempo but were unable to score themselves.
And the Gunners were made to pay for their lack of attacking threat late on as Szoboszlai lined up a free-kick from 32 yards and struck it perfectly, with plenty of dip and spin as it cannoned in off the inside of Raya’s post.
David Raya points to new Puma ball after conceding free-kick against Liverpool
Liverpool defeat shows why Mikel Arteta’s plan B must become Arsenal’s plan A to win the Premier League
20:40 , Chris WilsonRead Richard Jolly’s thoughts after the game at Anfield...
It must have been galling for a manager with a love of supersized full-backs. Mikel Arteta was beaten by one who isn’t really a full-back at all.
Why Mikel Arteta’s plan B must become Arsenal’s plan A to win the Premier League
Pundits criticise Arsenal’s approach after crucial Premier League defeat to Liverpool
20:20 , Chris WilsonGary Neville, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher have criticised Arsenal’s approach after the Gunners sunk to a late defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday evening.
Despite controlling large parts of the game, Arsenal went on to lose 1-0 thanks to a superb Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, with the Hungarian’s effort cannoning in off the post from 32 yards.
Arsenal once again failed to win a big game, with the Gunners now having failed to win any away matches against either Liverpool or Manchester City during Mikel Arteta’s tenure.
Pundits criticise Arsenal’s approach after crucial Premier League defeat to Liverpool
Carragher also critical of Arsenal
20:05 , Chris Wilson"There was a lot of feeling last season about what Arsenal needed and that they needed someone up front to finish all of their chances. I've never believed Arsenal's problem was finishing,” said Carragher on Sky.
"Arsenal's problem is creating. That was the problem for them last season: they don't create enough.
"You can look at the numbers; it's all there in black and white.
"From last season, Arsenal needed to shift slightly, become a bit more proactive with the ball.
"Okay, you bring in Zubimendi, and you bring in Eze and Gyokeres up front. It's only three games, but in the two away games we've seen Arsenal in this season, nothing has changed.
"Heavily reliant on set pieces, don't create anything in open play and the best team in Europe for me, defensively,” he added.
Keane labels Arsenal 'robotic'
19:55 , Chris Wilson"I feel like Arsenal, a bit like at Old Trafford, if you look at their attacking play, that day and today, just wasn't good enough. Not sharp enough, they need to do better,” says Keane on Sky.
"I think it's great when they have the defensive record that they have and their good at set pieces, you've got to give them credit for that. But if you're dependent on that all the time then you come to Liverpool where they're defending well, it's hard to. Do something a little bit different. You're looking at Arsenal going - do something off the cuff, do something quickly.
"There was a bit of rush in their play when they were chasing the goal, but in general play, you're thinking, do something quickly. Going forward, they are a bit robotic.
"With the set pieces, you give them a thumbs up, but they have to find something else.
"Sometimes you don't get what you deserve in this game; it's about winning football matches. Liverpool so far this season, we can analyse and be really critical of them, but after you look at it and go, they are winning. That's what really good teams do.
"I was part of a team like that. You're memory plays tricks with you, and everyone thinks we played well every week, far from it. But you find a way to win - that's the sign of a really top team."
Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick gives Liverpool victory over Arsenal
19:45 , Chris WilsonDominik Szoboszlai’s jaw-dropping free-kick sealed reigning Premier League champions Liverpool a late 1-0 victory against last season’s runners-up Arsenal.
Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated tussle between the title contenders had been heading for a forgettable fourth successive top-flight draw between these sides at Anfield.
But Szoboszlai’s 30-yard stunner would light up a turgid affair in the 83rd minute and seal Arne Slot’s Reds a hard-fought win against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in spectacular fashion.
Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick gives Liverpool victory over Arsenal
Raya reacts
19:35 , Chris WilsonRaya says that he "hasn’t seen it [the goal] back yet” as he speaks to Sky.
“[I’m] disappointed not to save it like every goal you concede. I think it's a hell of a strike. I remember the ball moving a lot and moving away from me. Hopefully, the next one I can save.
"It's a very good strike especially with the new balls and everything. We still have to adapt. It's going away from me so it's harder to gauge and save it."
On the new Puma ball: "It's different to the Nike ball so we have to adapt to it. The grip is different, the kick is different. We just have to adapt after playing with the Nike ball for many years. It's the same for everybody.
"We wanted to go forward to attack them, to keep them quiet in the first half. We showed a lot of character to keep Liverpool quiet. You have to take the positives from it. It's fine margins and a magical moment from them.
"We haven't been beaten from the top six clubs in many games. There are a lot of steps forward to take and learn in every single aspect. There's always things you have to learn."
Neville questions Arsenal mentality
19:25 , Chris WilsonGary Neville pointed out that "Liverpool have got what Arteta and Arsenal haven’t got right now – that edge, that something, that mentality to go and win big matches at big away grounds”.
"Liverpool believe they should be winning these matches and I’m not sure Arsenal do. They’re happy not to lose and it’s costing them,” he added, explaining that the Gunners seem content with a draw in such matches.
Pundits critical of Arsenal
19:20 , Chris Wilson“We talk about the risk and Arsenal aren't doing it at this moment in time. You have to take risks if you want to win these games,” says Theo Walcott.
“Arteta made substitutions at the right time, the game plan was going the right way, but you want to see them earlier,” he adds.
More from Slot
19:15 , Chris WilsonOn what he'd say about the season so far: "Hard games we had to play unlike last season when we starting not against seasons who ended in the top 10. It's a tougher start which you could also see in the game. Now we are on nine points which is positive but I've also reminded our players that last season we were on nine after three games but the fourth we lost against Forest."
On how busy he expects deadline day to be: "Quite busy because I have to take a flight at two o'clock! On a serious note, let's wait and see. I haven't spoken to Richard [Hughes] yet. I don't think it's a surprise we are trying to see if we can strengthen the squad but if that isn't possible we are more than happy to do that with this team."
On whether Ibrahima Konate injury makes getting a defender more urgent: "It's not a way of asking it. I could only not take one player into the game so I had to leave one out and that was a centre back. I think we were quite well in terms of centre backs. I think it was only cramp so I don't think it was an injury. We have to find out in the upcoming games."
Slot: 'We will know at the end of the season what it's worth'
19:10 , Chris Wilson"If you win against a team like Arsenal, who last season were such a good team and have strengthened so much, to win against them is very positive. We will know at the end of the season what it's worth,” says Slot on Sky.
“On a more serious note, they took the risk of going 1v1, this was hard because they brought all the midfielders so close to the defence. Then in the second half we went 1v1 but with Szoboszlai playing close and three midfielders. In the second half we pressed really well so for me after 45 minutes we got the upper hand. In the end we needed a moment of magic."
On Dominik Szoboszlai: "Again. I'm only working with him now for a little more over a season but he shows what Liverpool is all about. If he has to play right wing, right full-back, as a 10, he gives his best. Again he was outstanding today."
Up next
19:06 , Chris WilsonWe have an international break in the Premier League now, with the next matches taking place on the weekend of 13 September.
That weekend, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest in the weekend’s early kick-off.
Liverpool are away to Burnley on Sunday, 14 September at 2pm BST.
Arteta reacts
18:56 , Chris WilsonArteta says he is “very disappointed with the result, very proud of my players”.
“Both teams dug to a level where there was very little between the two. It was going to be decided by an error or a magic moment, and it was a magic moment.
“You can’t dominate here for 95 minutes, it’s impossible. You need to find a way to win these big matches.
“We were much better than last year when we drew the game. We had four, five chances when we were completely through, [it] just needs to find the [final] action.
“Again, the margin was almost zero” he adds as he finishes.
Szoboszlai free-kick sinks Arsenal
18:48 , Chris WilsonHere’s that free-kick!
Dominik Szoboszlai. WOW. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/AmSa5lVgcx
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
Szoboszlai reacts
18:42 , Chris Wilson“I thought I’d take a risk, I was confident and I tried it” says Szoboszlai on his free-kick.
“This shot, I didn’t practice in the last few weeks because we were shooting from closer, but I had to take the risk.
He says he also watched “a lot of videos” of Raya and notices he sometimes moves to the opposite side.
On Arsenal, he says: “They have an unbelievable team, an unbelievable coach.”
Premier League results
18:40 , Chris WilsonWe have one more game today before the international break, with Aston Villa taking on Crystal Palace.
Before that kicks off, here’s a round-up of the results from this weekend in the top flight:
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
Wolves 2-3 Everton
Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth
Man Utd 3-2 Burnley
Sunderland 2-1 Brentford
Leeds Utd 0-0 Newcastle
Brighton 2-1 Man City
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
How the table looks
18:35 , Chris WilsonThat result puts Liverpool out on top of the Premier League, with nine points after three wins from three.
Arsenal stay on six points, in third just below Chelsea.
'A spectacular goal and a terrific result for Liverpool'
18:30 , Richard JollySenior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly at Anfield:
“A spectacular goal in what was not really a spectacular game. But a terrific result for Liverpool. Arsenal may wonder if that is an opportunity missed. They were the superior side for an hour but only managed one shot on target.”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:30 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:27 , Chris WilsonChris Kavanagh brings the game to an end and Liverpool have another potentially vital win!
The Reds earn the three points to take them back to the top of the Premier League ahead off the international break.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:26 , Chris Wilson90 +7 mins
Nothing comes of the corner and we might have a minute or so more to go.
Arsenal try and counter but Endo puts a stop to it, earning a yellow in the process.
Raya fires the free-kick into the box and van Dijk clears...
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:25 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
Gyokeres collects the long throw but Liverpool clear and Chiesa leads a counter, which ends with him hitting a shot that is deflected wide for a corner.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:24 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Lovely play from Eze to beat his man but he can’t get onto the second ball.
Arsenal come again with a Calafiori long throw...
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:23 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Kerkez produces a great challenge and starts a counter, but Liverpool can’t capitalise.
Plenty of pressure from Arsenal but they can’t make anything of it, as Alisson hooks away a deep, mis-hit cross.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:19 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
There’ll be seven minutes of added time here.
One minute is down already as Timber fires a cross well over his team-mates, and he’s down with some cramp.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:18 , Chris Wilson89 mins
Arsenal have a late corner and they bring on Max Dowman for Madueke.
The corner is cleared, to cheers all around Anfield.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:16 , Chris Wilson87 mins
More good defending from Gomez, as Madueke is released into the box and fizzes in a cross that the Englishman hooks out of play before Gyokeres can pounce.
Wirtz is receiving treatment and he comes off for Wataru Endo.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:14 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Plenty more impetus from Arsenal now but have they left it too late?
On Sky, Gary Neville is criticising the fact that they “think a draw is enough” in this type of game.
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:13 , Chris Wilson84 mins
A Ronaldo-esque free-kick from the Hungarian there. Arsenal players look dismayed.
They get up the pitch straight away though and Eze gets free in the box, almost 1-v-1 with Alisson, but Gomez does brilliantly to shepherd him off the ball before he can shoot.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
18:12 , Chris Wilson83 mins
GOAL! Oh my word! This looks like an incredible free-kick...
Szoboszlai lines it up and strikes it superbly, with so much dip and swerve as it strikes the inside of the post and flies in!
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:10 , Chris Wilson81 mins
The free-kick is around 30 yards out, right in the centre. Salah, Gakpo and Szobozlai are all standing over it.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:09 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Rice dribbles the ball out of play and Liverpool have a chance to put the pressure on, but they seem content to keep the ball for the moment.
Szobozlai tries to get his side forward and Jones finds a pocket of space before Zubimendi scythes him down, with the Spaniard receiving a yellow card.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:06 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Ibrahima Konate is down and receiving treatment, while Federico Chiesa is being readied.
Konate is forced off, and replaced by Joe Gomez, while Ekitike comes off for Chiesa.
'Special moment for Eze'
18:05 , Richard JollyRichard Jolly at Anfield:
“A debut for Eberechi Eze, something he must have dreamed about as a boy and which was delayed for many years as he took the long route into the Arsenal team. Whatever happens, he can savour the fact he is now an Arsenal player.”
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:04 , Chris Wilson76 mins
It’s the hosts in the ascendancy now, though Arsenal get up the pitch courtesy of Eze’s first involvements, which see him skip past Szoboszlai.
Arsenal keep possession and Odegaard almost finds Gyokeres in the box with a through ball, before Calafiori fails to control it and Arsenal conceded a throw-in.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:01 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Moments after the corner, Liverpool come again and Szoboszlai find Wirtz on the opposite wing with a raking pass. The German lays it off to Salah but his first touch is a little off, and his shot is blocked.
Liverpool win a corner though, but Gyokeres heads away at the near post before Wirtz sees a shot blocked.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
18:00 , Chris Wilson72 mins
Liverpool are frustrated after not being allowed to take a free-kick quickly, but they do win their first corner of the game.
Wirtz clips it in but Mosquera heads clear.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:58 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Big subs for Arsenal. Merino and Martinelli make way for Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:56 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Salah gets a good run at Calafiori and eventually clips in a clever cross with the outside of his boot, but Raya collects it.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:54 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Amongst all the madness, Curtis Jones came on for Mac Allister.
Gakpo has just seen a shot go straight at Raya, while Gyokeres has been booked for a challenge on van Dijk.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:52 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Arsenal win yet another corner but some great defending by Konate sees the ball cleared before Madueke fires well wide.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:50 , Chris Wilson60 mins
The ball is in the net, but the flag is up against Liverpool!
So much has gone on here, starting with Wirtz controlling the ball in the box before testing Raya with a volley. He saves it but it isn’t clean, bouncing out to Gakpo.
The Dutchman tries to knock it goalwards and is scythed down by Raya, before it’s eventually tapped in by Ekitike, but Gakpo had indeed strayed offside just before Wirtz hit his shot.
'The game suits Arsenal'
17:47 , Richard JollyLatest from Anfield, by Richard Jolly:
“The game probably suits Arsenal more, and the scoreline too. Arteta would seem to have several possible matchwinners in reserve but, as things stand, he may be content to persevere with the 11 on the pitch. Liverpool have more need to change straight away and Curtis Jones looks to be coming on.”
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:46 , Chris Wilson57 mins
Madueke – who’s been Arsenal’s brightest spark – almost takes down a long ball in the Liverpool box, but van Dijk does enough to put him off and Alisson collects.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:44 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Madueke drives at Kerkez before winning another corner, but once again nothing comes of it.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:40 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Gravenberch lines up an effort from distance but drags it well wide.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:37 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Better from the hosts as Salah clips ball in to Ekitike, though he eventually loses it before conceding a foul.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:36 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Liverpool probing early on, though a couple of final balls have been off.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:33 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Anfield.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:32 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are re-emerging from the tunnel at Anfield, and we’ll be back underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:28 , Chris WilsonSurely the second half must be more entertaining. Right?
Not a good one for the neutral, or for Liverpool, with Arsenal likely to be the happier pf the two sides.
Despite that, the Gunners have also created precious little in terms of clear-cut chances, and you wonder if we may see either of Eze and Odegaard soon.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:25 , Chris Wilson
HALF TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:17 , Richard JollyA first half of one shot on target, courtesy of Noni Madueke. Arsenal can be the happier.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:16 , Chris Wilson45 +1 min
Timber thought he had a shout for a penalty earlier but there was nothing in it.
Arsenal keep possession to see the half out and we get to the break at 0-0.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:15 , Chris Wilson44 mins
The hosts think they have a chance to get into the box but Ekitike narrowly misses threading it through.
Arsenal regain possession but it’s laboured at the moment, with both sides looking like they could do with regrouping at half-time.
Just one minute of added time here.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:14 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Some frustration at Anfield as the home side have found it difficult to play their usual game, with Arsenal making them work hard.
The visitors are regrouping quickly and defending in numbers whenever Liverpool have the ball, with the Reds forced back to their ‘keeper on a couple of occasions.
The visitors have six shots to Liverpool’s two so far.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:10 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Better from Arsenal as Merino clips in a ball to Gyokeres, who holds it up well before laying it off to Madueke.
He sees his shot blocked but it comes to Calafiori, who sees his shot deflected behind.
Good pressure from the hosts means that nothing comes of the corner again.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:07 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Finally half a chance as the long ball forward finds Madueke, who cuts inside before seeing his shot deflected over.
From the corner, Rice swings a cross straight out for a goal kick, which sums this match up nicely.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:04 , Chris Wilson33 mins
CLOSE! Raya so close to messing up a solid start there.
The classic scenario of needless short passes in their own box, as Raya passes it straight out to van Dijk.
The defender opts not to shoot (understandably) but Arsenal manage to recover before Liverpool can test the ‘keeper.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:03 , Richard JollyA difficult first half-hour for Liverpool. There was another worrying sign in Milos Kerkez's tough start when Noni Madueke sped past him. The midfield feels too stretched, perhaps in part because the wingers are so wide. And they have barely created anything.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:02 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Neither side has been able to take hold of the game so far, and neither manager will be very happy with this start.
Arteta will probably be the happier of the two though, with his side having done marginally more in attack while limiting Liverpool to very little too.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
17:00 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Gravenberch is the first player to be booked as he clips the heels of Calafiori, conceding a free-kick around 40 yards out.
It’s very poor from Rice, who just runs up and boots it out of play. Very odd from the England man.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:56 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Liverpool win a cheap free-kick off Timber but Wirtz’s free-kick is straight out of play.
Not a lot to report in terms of attacking flair and big chances so far at Anfield, as Timber wins another corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:54 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Another Arsenal attack, but it ends with Calafiori swinging in a cross that nobody in white is anywhere near the end of.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:53 , Chris Wilson22 mins
The corner comes all the way out to Madueke near the edge of the box and he controls it well, before lashing a half-volley that forces a good low save from Alisson at the near post.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:52 , Chris Wilson21 mins
A ball forward from Zubimendi finds Madueke, who does well to get in behind Kerkez initially before the full-back recovers and slides in to conceded a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:49 , Chris Wilson18 mins
The corner comes in but it’s cleared, as is a brief VAR check for holding in the area!
Mac Allister on Merino, nothing in it.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:48 , Chris Wilson17 mins
Lovely stuff from van Dijk to pick out Salah with a great diagonal pass, though the Egyptian’s cross is collected by Raya.
Arsenal get up the pitch and Madueke runs at Kerkez, eventually winning a corner.
33 goals and counting from corners for the Gunners since August 2023...
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:46 , Richard JollyMikel Arteta collects defenders, as the deal for Piero Hincapie shows. He may think he is justified in that approach with William Saliba limping off early on and Cristhian Mosquera on for a real test of the summer signing. Admittedly, Arteta does have two full-backs playing today who can both operate at centre-back so perhaps he didn't need both Hincapie and Mosquera. He would see it otherwise, though.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:46 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Plenty of settled possession for both sides so far but not a lot in the way of concrete chances.
A couple of close calls for each defence though. First as Gravenberch hooked a pass back which forced Alisson off his line quickly, before Raya did the same to prevent Ekitike latching onto a short pass.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:43 , Chris Wilson12 mins
70 per cent possession for the hosts so far as they begin to take control the game.
Gakpo drives inside his defender and has a pop from range, though it flies wide of the near post.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:40 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Wirtz dispossesses Rice near the edge of the Liverpool box and suddenly the hosts have a 3-v-3 in attack, though Salah sees his cross blocked.
Arsenal forge a counter of their own but Martinelli fails to spot the pass to Gyokeres before he’s shepherded off the ball by Konate.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:38 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Both sides are looking to settle early rather than testing the other defence, with plenty of possession for both in their own defensive thirds.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Trouble for Arsenal already, as Saliba is forced off. He makes way for summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:35 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Salah is forced to come deep for his first touches of the game, though Liverpool are forced to recycle possession as Arsenal settle quickly.
The Gunners try to get up the pitch but the through ball to Gyokeres has too much on it.
Worries for Arsenal here though, as Saliba has gone to ground in a heap.
Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:32 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Plenty of early pressure up high for Arsenal, with van Dijk already seeing his heels clipped at.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Arsenal
16:31 , Chris WilsonYNWA is belted out around Anfield and we’re ready to get started.
Referee Chris Kavanagh blows the whistle and we’re underway !
Liverpool v Arsenal live
16:27 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel now, with around five minutes until kick-off.
Roy Keane in the Sky studio says that both sides have pressure on them, what with Liverpool being champions and Arsenal having finished second in the last three consecutive seasons.
Are we about to see the two main title challengers face off? It certainly feels like it, even more so with that City result earlier.
Arteta coy on Eze
16:23 , Chris WilsonArteta praises Liverpool ahead of the match, though he’s coy on why he’s left Eze on the bench.
“They [Liverpool] are very good [at] attacking. We prepared the game to win it, every decision is headed towards that.
“All the options on the bench I’m excited about them, let’s use them at the right time,” he says.
He adds that there isn’t room for doubt, explaining that Arsenal need to “show how determined we are to win the game”.
Match stats
16:20 , Chris WilsonOnly Liverpool vs Spurs (206) has seen more goals of all Premier League fixtures than Arsenal vs Liverpool (198). Since 2015/16, it has seen the most goals of any fixture, with 78 in 20 games!
Mohamed Salah has netted 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, with only Harry Kane (14) and Wayne Rooney (12) ever netting more against the Gunners.
Slot: 'It's mainly about the three points'
16:18 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to Sky, Arne Slot says that today “is mainly about the three points” rather than sending a message in the title race.
“This is another very difficult one, they’re a very good team. But it’s the same for them, they play a very good team.
“Mikel has done a great job by implementing different tactics,” he says, before adding that Liverpool “have to expect a lot, but we’re prepared for that”.
“Last week we conceded two, but against a team with an unbelievable threat through the air. Let’s see what the season brings before we suggest how good we are at defending set-pieces,” he adds as he finishes.
Defence could decide game today
16:13 , Chris WilsonThough this fixture has seen 78 goals scored in the past 20 games, it could be the respective defences who have the biggest say in how today’s game goes.
Liverpool have scored in a remarkable 98 per cent of their games under Arne Slot – 39 out of 40, which is the highest percentage by any manager in Premier League history.
Nevertheless, the Reds’ new-look backline has looked vulnerable at times this season, having conceded four goals over their opening two games.
The Reds had let a two-goal lead slip against 10-man Newcastle on Monday night, having done the same the week before in the win over Bournemouth.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, though Arsenal don’t seem as free-scoring as the Reds, the Gunners are yet to conceded a goal this season and enter 2025/26 having kept the highest number of clean sheets in the league in back-to-back seasons.
Match stats
16:08 , Chris WilsonLiverpool are winless in six Premier League matches against Arsenal (D4 L2). This is their longest winless run against the Gunners since going eight without a win between October 2007 and April 2011.
The last three Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield have all been drawn, while the Gunners are winless in their last 12 away games against the Reds.
FT: Brighton 2-1 Man City
16:03 , Chris WilsonAn interesting result for Arsenal and Liverpool today, as Brogthon have just beaten Manchester City 2-1 at the Amex!
That result leaves City with three points from their opening three games.
Head-to-head
16:00 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 244 times in the past, with the first meeting dating back to 1893.
Liverpool have 95 wins to Arsenal’s 83, while 66 have ended as draws.
Last season, both meetings between these two sides ended in 2-2 draws.
Bold choice from Arne Slot
15:55 , Jamie BraidwoodNo Eberechi Eze in the Arsenal starting 11 as Mikel Arteta goes for the most physical midfield possible in Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. For Zubimendi, it is a first game at Anfield for a man Liverpool had hoped to sign last summer. Arne Slot sticks with Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, which feels a bold choice, when Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are both on the bench.
VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
15:50 , Chris WilsonThe big news from today so far...
Michael Salisbury, the VAR official at the centre of Chelsea’s controversial win over Fulham on Saturday, has been dropped from his duties ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Salisbury has been replaced by John Brooks after the Professional Game Match Officials Board {PGMOL] acknowledged an error was made in disallowing Fulham’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge.
VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
Miguel Delaney's big preview:
15:35 , Chris WilsonThe Gunners believe the Premier League champions offer more space than last season, which could present opportunities on Sunday in a pivotal game for this year’s title race.
The Liverpool trend that offers Arsenal newfound hope of upsetting champions
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
