Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a moment of brilliance at Anfield on Sunday, curling home a spectacular free-kick from more than 30 yards to secure Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a clash between last season’s Premier League champions and runners-up.
The Hungarian midfielder, deployed once again in an unusual right-back role by Arne Slot, stepped up in the dying stages of a tightly contested game and produced a strike of the highest quality. His swerving effort left David Raya with no chance, nestling in the top corner and sending the home fans into raptures.
Dominik Szoboszlai on Taking the Risk
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Dominik Szoboszlai revealed that the free-kick was all about confidence and seizing the opportunity.
“Luckily since the season started we’ve been practising free-kicks, but this one felt a little further out. I just thought, ‘I’ll take a risk,’” he said. “I was confident in myself, and finally! It’s been a long time since I scored one.”
He also paid tribute to teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who usually takes set-pieces for Liverpool:
“To be honest, I should mention Trent, because as everyone knows, he has an unbelievable shot. Normally he takes them, but finally I got my chance and I did it.”
Preparation Meets Execution
Dominik Szoboszlai admitted that this particular strike wasn’t one he had been drilling in recent training sessions.
“This shot I didn’t practise in the last few weeks,” he explained. “From closer distances I usually shoot differently. But I knew I had to hit it harder, especially because Raya is a fantastic goalkeeper and likes to anticipate behind the wall. I watched a lot of videos of him. If it had been any closer to the middle, he probably would’ve saved it.”
That meticulous preparation paid off in style, giving Liverpool the edge in a game where chances were few and far between.
Respect for Arsenal
The Hungarian was quick to praise Liverpool’s opponents despite inflicting another painful defeat on Mikel Arteta’s side.
“They had an unbelievable season last year, and the two before that as well. Three times in a row finishing second — honestly, that’s a compliment because it’s so difficult to stay at that level, pushing with City, with us, with Chelsea. They are a top team with a great coach. We have to keep fighting.”
VAR Drama Brushed Off
There was a brief scare for Dominik Szoboszlai when VAR checked for a possible handball against him late in the game, but the midfielder shrugged it off afterward.
“To be honest, if you don’t tell me now, I wouldn’t even remember it,” he admitted. “With corners and long throw-ins, it’s a jungle. I didn’t even notice if it touched my arm, the ball, or even the guy next to me.”
The Bigger Picture
With another three points in the bag, Liverpool remain on track in their title defence, boasting both defensive solidity and moments of individual brilliance. Szoboszlai’s winner was a reminder not only of his growing importance to the team but also of the unpredictability he can bring from different roles on the pitch.
For Arsenal, it was a frustrating afternoon — a strong defensive display undone by one flash of quality. For Liverpool, it was proof once again that even in tight, cagey games, they have match-winners capable of delivering when it matters most.
