Liverpool, England – Dominik Szoboszlai fired Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Arsenal with a spectacular late free kick, while Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes took another hit following a surprise 2-1 defeat at Brighton.
Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute at Anfield, curling a powerful free kick into the top corner from nearly 30 yards out — a moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise tightly contested affair between two early title contenders.
“I thought I would take a risk,” the Hungarian international told Sky Sports post-match. “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] usually takes them, but I was confident. I had to try.”
Typically deployed as a midfielder, Szoboszlai was filling in at full back due to injuries, but delivered a finish worthy of the league’s best set-piece takers.
The win marks Liverpool’s third consecutive victory to open the season, reinforcing their status as defending champions and current title favorites. Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the season — and their first goal conceded — extending their winless run at Anfield since 2012.
Despite the loss, Szoboszlai offered praise for Mikel Arteta’s side: “Arsenal had an unbelievable season last year. They’ve come second three times in a row. It’s never easy competing with clubs like City, Chelsea, and us.”
City’s Woes Deepen with Brighton Defeat
At the Amex Stadium, Manchester City’s troubles continued as they fell 2-1 to Brighton, following last week’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham. The result marks back-to-back defeats for Pep Guardiola’s side, raising questions over the squad’s form and depth early in the campaign.
Brighton’s win was capped by a landmark goal from former Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who scored to set a new Premier League appearance record.
City, who relinquished their four-year title reign to Liverpool last season, now face mounting pressure amid a shaky start that has exposed some of the same vulnerabilities seen in their 2024 campaign.
The latest round of results sees Liverpool top the early standings, while Arsenal and City face early-season soul-searching in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive title race.
