Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners fall to Szoboszlai stunner

Arsenal fell to a 1-0 defeat against title rivals Liverpool in an early-season clash that could have a huge impact on the outcome of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta was forced to make two changes to the side that defeated Leeds 5-0 with Bukayo Saka absent and Martin Odegaard dropping to the bench due to injury. Noni Madueke filled in on the right flank with Gabriel Martinelli returning to the left while Mikel Merino stepped into midfield. Gabriel Magalhaes led his side onto the Anfield pitch as captain.

The Gunners were dealt a huge blow just five minutes in when William Saliba was forced off with an injury with Cristhian Mosquera coming on to replace him.

Liverpool dominated the opening stages with the first chance of the game falling to Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman cut inside and struck an effort from the left side of the box, but it sailed past David Raya's post.

Noni Madueke had Arsenal's first opportunity of the match when a cleared corner fell to him on the edge of the box. He unleashed a half-volley strike, but Alisson got across well to keep it out. The Gunners slowly grew into the game and saw a spate of corners, but couldn't find the opener.

The hosts began to cause more pressure with Raya getting away with one. He looked to play a pass out to Martin Zubimendi, but it was well intercepted by Virgil van Dijk who tried to set up Alexis Mac Allister, but Declan Rice cut it out well. There was nothing to separate the sides as they went into half-time level.

Both sides came out of the break looking to find the opener and Liverpool thought they had found it on the hour mark. Florian Wirtz forced Raya into a save, but Hugo Ekitike pounced on the rebound to scuff the ball into the net. However, the Frenchman had strayed offside in the build-up.

Madueke continued to cause problems down the right side and linked up well with Jurrien Timber to find Riccardo Calafiori on the edge of the box. The Italian's shot was blocked, but the second ball found its way to Gabriel Magalhaes who fired a thumping effort toward goal, only to see it blocked by Ibrahima Konate.

With the hosts starting to control the game, Arteta opted to introduce Odegaard and Eze to the tie with the latter coming on to make his Gunners debut.

As the clock ticked down, there was a growing feeling that a moment of brilliance would be needed to break the deadlock and that's what happened. Dominik Szoboszlai lined up a free kick from around 30 yards out and struck an unbelievable effort past Raya to hand his side the lead.

Arsenal pushed to find an equaliser, but couldn't find it despite dominating the game's final 15 minutes. The defeat ended their winning start to the campaign and their 22-match unbeaten record against the 'big six'. They now sit third in the Premier League table.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6/10 - Gave possession away in the first half and was fortunately bailed out by his teammates. Made a couple good saves after the break, but there was nothing he could do about Szoboszlai's free kick. Looked unusually shaky throughout most of the game.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7/10 - Linked up well with Madueke on the right side and managed to break into the Liverpool box a number of times. He battled well relatively well with compatriot Gakpo down the flank.

William Saliba (CB) - N/A - Taken off with an injury just five minutes in.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Dealt with the threat of the hosts' backline well. Had a thumping goalbound shot blocked by Konate.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - Continued his impressive start to the season as he contributed both in attack and defence. Saw two shots blocked by the Liverpool backline.

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