It’s hard to judge the impact given it’s only Aug. 31 after all, but Liverpool have struck first in the Premier League title race defeating Arsenal 1–0 at Anfield.
A showdown fans of both sides, and neutrals alike, had circled on their calendars failed to deliver fireworks outside of a dazzling free kick late in the second half. Both teams were risk adverse for most of the game and it was only going to come down to a simple moment of brilliance to decide the game.
The champions were the ones to capitalise as Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and fired home a Steven Gerrard–esque free-kick to win it. The injuries are piling up on both sides as well given some concerning signs from the game, though three points will do well to lift the modd for the Reds. On the other side, Arsenal likely are demoralised by the result after blasting five past Leeds United and escaping a tricky trip to Old Trafford to start the season.
Three games in and Liverpool sit atop the table. Nine points from three games and the Reds have looked far from settled with their new signings. Coughing up two-goal leads in back-to-back weeks despite victories had some favouring Arsenal on the road today, but Liverpool still have the look of champions.
All three victories in one light can be looked at as getting by teams by the skin of their teeth. In another, Liverpool are still the mentality monsters formed under Jürgen Klopp.
That’s not to say Liverpool dominated the game either, Arsenal didn’t as well. There wasn’t much in a game billed as a heavyweight showdown. Still, the three points count all the same in the end for the Reds. There are some injury concerns on Merseyside with Ibrahima Konaté and Florian Wirtz coming off, but for now Liverpool are the favourites after an early exchange.
How things stand in five, ten or 15 weeks remains to be seen, but a statement has been made by the Reds with this win.
One can't help but just wonder why Arteta does the most with his tactics. Mikel Arteta’s puzzling selection of Gabriel Martinelli over Eze is just so questionable.
Gabriel Martinelli was poor in the first half against makeshift defender Szoboszlai.
Arsenal tried numerous times on both sides of the pitch to get Martinelli and Noni Madueke involved over the top in 1-v-1 situations.
Madueke, while not finding much joy against Milos Kerkez in a physical battle, seemed much more comfortable on the ball sizing up his man. Martinelli on the other hand struggled mightily.
Immediately as Eberechi Eze came on, the left side seemed more lively. Perhaps Arteta did not want to throw his latest signing into the deep end early, but Martinelli was ineffective at best when Arsenal’s left-sided concerns are well known.
Eze was only announced a week ago, but fans will question Arteta’s apprehensiveness in such a pivotal season.
Not to mention, starting Mikel Merino instead of Ethan Nwaneri even after the youngster was the first name to fill in for Ødegaard against Leeds. Different opposition, yes, but Arsenal lacked creativity for a third consecutive week.
Perhaps the lineup looks much different come Sept. 13 against Nottingham Forest after the international break, but it’s a long two weeks to digest their first loss of the season.
