Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Liverpool secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield, a result that sees them maintain their perfect start to the season. The match was a tight affair, with both teams showing their quality, but it was Dominik Szoboszlai's late goal in the 83rd minute that proved decisive. Liverpool's recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive wins, and this result against a strong Arsenal side further cements their position at the top of the league. Arsenal, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have lost their first game of the season, especially after coming into the match on the back of two convincing victories.

The game was characterised by a high level of intensity and tactical battles, with neither team giving an inch. Liverpool's ability to grind out a result, even when not at their fluid best, speaks volumes about their resilience and determination. Arsenal had their moments, particularly in the second half, but failed to convert their chances into goals. This loss ends Arsenal's unbeaten run and presents them with a challenge to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.

The statistics from the match reflect a closely contested game, with Liverpool edging possession at 53% to Arsenal's 47%. Despite Arsenal having more corners (8 to Liverpool's 3), they were unable to capitalise on these set-piece opportunities. Liverpool's higher successful dribble percentage (50% compared to Arsenal's 38%) suggests they were more effective in breaking down Arsenal's defence. The even number of yellow cards (2 each) indicates a competitive match, but the key statistic that stands out is the single goal scored by Liverpool, which ultimately decided the game.

The turning point of the match came in the 83rd minute when Dominik Szoboszlai scored the only goal of the game, securing the victory for Liverpool. This late strike was a testament to Liverpool's persistence and ability to capitalise on limited opportunities. Earlier in the game, Ryan Gravenberch received a yellow card in the 29th minute, which added tension to Liverpool's midfield. Liverpool's manager made strategic substitutions, bringing on Curtis Jones in the 61st minute and Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez in the 79th minute, which helped maintain their momentum and defensive solidity.

Arsenal's early substitution of Cristhian Andrey Mosquera Ibarguen in the 5th minute hinted at an aggressive approach, but it was not enough to break through Liverpool's defense. The Gunners had their chances, with Viktor Gyökeres receiving a yellow card in the 66th minute, indicating their frustration. Arsenal's manager made multiple substitutions in the 70th and 89th minutes, trying to change the game's dynamics, but it was Liverpool who ultimately held firm and secured the win.

Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alisson in goal and a solid backline of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield was anchored by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, with Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo supporting striker Hugo Ekitiké. The lineup was largely expected, with no major surprises, but the impact of the substitutions was notable. Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, and Wataru Endo all came on to help secure the victory, with Szoboszlai's goal proving the difference.

Arsenal opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya in goal and a defense consisting of Jurriën Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori. The midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice provided a solid base, while Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli led the attack. The early substitution of Cristhian Andrey Mosquera Ibarguen was a tactical move, but it did not yield the desired result. Arsenal's manager made further changes in the second half, bringing on Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze, and Max Dowman, but they were unable to turn the game around.

Dominik Szoboszlai is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance was pivotal in securing the victory for Liverpool. Scoring the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute, Szoboszlai demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure. His key pass and overall contribution were crucial in breaking the deadlock and ensuring Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Arsenal (H)

• Win: 3-2 vs Newcastle United (A)

• Win: 4-2 vs AFC Bournemouth (H)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Liverpool (A)

• Win: 5-0 vs Leeds United (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Manchester United (A)

Sitting atop the league with 9 points, Liverpool will face Burnley, who are in 14th place with 3 points, on September 14, 2025, at 13:00. This result against Arsenal will boost their confidence, and they will look to continue their winning streak and maintain their position at the top of the table.

With 6 points, Arsenal find themselves in 3rd place and will take on Nottingham Forest, who are in 10th with 4.0 points, on September 13, 2025, at 11:30. The loss to Liverpool will serve as a wake-up call, and Arsenal will need to regroup and respond positively to keep pace with the league leaders.

Game Week 4

• Arsenal V Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth V Brighton

• Newcastle V Wolves

• Everton V Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace V Sunderland

• Fulham V Leeds United

• West Ham V Tottenham

• Brentford V Chelsea

• Burnley V Liverpool

• Man City V Man United

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.