Liverpool’s champions mentality shone through in their 1-0 victory over Arsenal, with their positivity edging out their conservative rivals.
The Reds weren’t at their sparkling best on Sunday, as they came up against a defensive-minded Gunners side.
But a forgettable game was settled by a sensational late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, sending Arne Slot‘s men two points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Here’s the best of the media reaction to Liverpool’s win.
It wasn’t a classic, but Liverpool showcased their mentality
On X, Jonathan Northcroft wrote that Liverpool were rewarded for a more positive approach than Arsenal:
“You have to risk to win the biggest prizes, biggest games. Arne Slot does it, Liverpool do it.
“Their passing in second half became so much bolder. They never took a step back.
“Mikel Arteta isn’t there yet. Not starting Eze…Arsenal are such a good team but still need to do more.”
The Mail‘s Lewis Steele feels this could be a “huge” win for Liverpool come the end of the season:
“Liverpool make it three from three to start the season.
“Was it perfect? No. Was it a deserved win? Maybe so, maybe not, but they didn’t settle for the draw. And that could be a HUGE three points.
“Back four has been criticised this week but that was a brilliant defensive display.”
BBC Sport‘s Phil McNulty believes this was a day that showed Liverpool’s champions mindset:
“Liverpool go into the international break with maximum points from their three Premier League games – and still without demonstrating the full fluency they showed when they strolled to the title last season.
“It is a chilling thought for those, including the Arsenal side beaten at Anfield, who harbour hopes of wrestling away the crown they have now won on 20 occasions.
“The art of champions is finding a way and Liverpool have now done it in their first three games, scoring two late goals to beat Bournemouth at Anfield in their opening game, an injury-time winner at Newcastle United, then another victory secured in the closing stages against the Gunners.”
Szobsozlai’s free-kick and performance were lauded
Jason Burt of the Telegraph compared the Hungarian’s match-winning moment to a former Liverpool player:
“Who needs Trent Alexander-Arnold taking free-kicks from right-back? The king is dead, long live the king.
“Dominik Szoboszlai may only be filling in in that position but the midfielder produced a sumptuous, memorable strike to beat an Arsenal side who were caught out by their lack of ambition.
[…]
“It was a goal out-of-keeping with a tough, uncompromising but hardly exciting encounter which was hampered by a swirling wind and a desire not to lose rather than to win.
“Especially from Arsenal.”
The Athletic’s James Pearce praised Szoboszlai’s display, but other Liverpool players also got a mention:
“Huge improvement from Liverpool defensively today.
“Van Dijk absolutely immense, Konate and Kerkez much improved, and Szoboszlai showcasing once again his incredible versatility.”
Daniel Orme of the Mirror felt Szoboszlai’s moment of magic saved a dull match from being a stalemate:
“Well it was far from a classic – but one thing that certainly was classic was Szoboszlai’s match-winning free-kick.
[…]
“The ball was stationed around 35 yards out and not many expected Szoboszlai to arrow it into the top corner – maybe even Raya among those with that view.
“But that’s exactly what the Hungarian did as his effort thundered into the net. It capped a brilliant all-round performance from Szoboszlai, who is now worth his weight in gold to Liverpool.”
Finally, The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans hailed Szoboszlai’s versatility:
“When Man of the Match Szoboszlai was signed from RB Leipzig in 2023, his set-piece qualities were highlighted as one of his major strengths and the plan was to use him in attacking midfield and occasionally replace Mo Salah on the right side of attack.
“Playing in defence, as a right-back, was certainly not in the script, but like so often in his two years at Anfield, the Hungarian has filled in when required to grow into one of the most valuable utility players in the squad.”
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