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Szoboszlai with outrageous free-kick to win it for hosts
Saliba off injured for Arsenal in opening five minutes
Last season's champions meet runners-up at Anfield
Both sides won opening two games
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Joe Hart
Former England and Man City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
I get people saying they don't get enough credit, but David Raya isn't in goal to get credit. He is in goal to try and win a title for Arsenal. He is top-class, but in terms of credit you worry about doing a great job for your team. Credit is for the strikers.
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
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Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Liverpool are winless in six Premier League matches against Arsenal (drawn four, lost two), their longest winless run against the Gunners since going eight without a win between October 2007 and April 2011.
The last three Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield have all been drawn, while the Gunners are winless in their last 12 away games against the Reds (drawn five, lost seven) since a 2-0 win back in September 2012, with manager Mikel Arteta starting for the Gunners that day.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is mainly about the three points. Like the last two games we had to play, which was difficult for us - this is another difficult one.
"Last season at the Emirates it was 2-2 and at Anfield it was 2-2. This tells you that when these teams play each other it is always a close call.
"Five years together and Mikel has done a great job. If you look at the line-up, they could potentially go a bit more direct as well. We expect a lot, and we are prepared for that."
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield
Big cheers from the Liverpool supporters here at Anfield when it was announced that former star James Milner got his name on the scoresheet as Brighton beat Manchester City.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Those early results leave the Premier League table looking like this. That means if there is a winning side at Anfield then that team will end the day on top.
Image source, Getty ImagesWhat a day it has been in the Premier League so far. These are the results from the early two games.
Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
As a Liverpool fan I am nervous today. Our defence has been unpredictable, and this Arsenal team are looking good. They have the finishers upfront that Newcastle were missing.
James, Liverpool
Why do we keep trying to put square pegs in round holes. A midfielder again at right back when you've got Conor Bradley available is madness. He's deputised brilliantly for TAA over the past couple of seasons, defending better than him most of the time. What must it be doing to his confidence to keep seeing CMs picked in his place. Also Konate, he's playing like a rabbit in the headlights, drop him and bring Gomez or Endo in. They can't possibly be worse.
Stu, Wigan
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Chris Sutton
Former Premier League striker
My worry with Liverpool is exactly what Arne Slot talked about in pre-season. They're too defensively vulnerable.
They've already conceded four goals. Ibrahima Konate looks shot to pieces and has been all over the place in the last two games. He's been a great player in the past for Liverpool but right now he looks like a triallist.
If you're a Liverpool fan I guess the good thing is your side are still getting results. But if you want to win league titles you've got to be watertight and strong at the back, and I'm not so sure Liverpool are.
Liverpool got bullied by Newcastle. There's no reason why Arsenal can't bully them too. I've just got a sneaky feeling that Arsenal, bolstered by new signing Eberechi Eze, will exploit them.
Sutton's prediction: 1-2
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Stephen Warnock
Former Liverpool defender on Football Focus Extra Time
Liverpool have been susceptible to the counter attack. We knew that Bournemouth had that quality in forward areas [on matchday one] but why they are allowing themselves to be three on three in a defensive area at 2-0 up [against Newcastle], you leave yourself open.
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport
One of the Premier League's biggest rivalries resumes when champions Liverpool host last season's runners-up Arsenal.
This fixture has seen 78 goals scored in the past 20 games - the most of any Premier League encounter since the start of 2015-16 - but how both teams defend may prove the deciding factor at Anfield.
Liverpool have scored in 98% of their games under Arne Slot (39/40) - the highest percentage by any manager in Premier League history. However, a revamped backline has looked increasingly vulnerable so far this season.
The Reds had let a two-goal lead slip against 10-man Newcastle on Monday night - until 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha won the game in the 10th minute of stoppage time, and in doing so became the second-youngest player to score on his Premier League debut.
Liverpool have conceded four goals from just six shots on target so far this season, suggesting they are giving up an uncharacteristic number of high-quality chances. Only Leeds have conceded more often per shot on target than Slot's men in 2025-26. It took Liverpool nine league games to concede four goals last term.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Pat Nevin
Former Everton winger for the BBC Football Extra Newsletter
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter years of saying "if only", Arsenal have finally given themselves a real opportunity to win the title.
The problem always seemed to be injuries to key players; the very best squads can manage that and aren't totally reliant on one or two stars. The Gunners have been offensively dependent on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka for a few years now. If either was injured, they were in trouble as an attacking force - unless they scored from a set piece.
Both were injured on Saturday but the times they are a-changing at the Emirates with the introduction of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. Now there is no need to panic if one or two limp off.
The five goals against Leeds underlined that there are more options and that is before you even think of the young attacking starlets Ethan Nwaneri, the emerging Max Dowman and Kai Havertz who will hopefully return soon.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Peter Schmeichel
Former Manchester United goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
Arne Slot's trying to win every game. That's how you win the Premier League. You have to back it up with quality.
When I look at the Liverpool squad, there is quality everywhere. The players he has brought, he has brought in Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he is the back-up. That tells a story.
I'm also sure Alexander Isak will be a Liverpool player before the window closes and these are quality players.
Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
This is the closest Liverpool vs Arsenal match to call, both teams have had good starts to the season, I feel like Liverpool could edge it but I also feel Arsenal could control the match if Liverpool’s late lucky victories are anything to go off. But I will predict a 3-2 win for Liverpool.
Jack
As a Liverpool fan, Arsenal should be winning this today. We are still bedding players in and finding the balance. If Arsenal don’t win at Anfield today they never will.
Murphy, Bedford
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool boss Arne Slot expects to face an Arsenal side similar in style to the ones Liverpool came up against last season, but admits there might be one change his players need to be aware of after the Gunners' signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting.
“The number nine they have now (Gyokeres) is different to (Kai) Havertz for example. That is more a false nine you could say, where I think Gyokeres is more a target man,” the Dutchman said.
“So that’s maybe a small difference, where we have to know he maybe makes more runs in behind than the other number nines did.
“But in general, I see a lot of similarities between last season and this season with the style of play they have, and I think it’s the same with us.”
Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
And this was the incident from that Chelsea v Fulham match yesterday.
Watch as Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Steph Houghton gave their thoughts on VAR disallowing Josh King's goal for Fulham against Chelsea.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
John Murray
BBC football correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live at Anfield
There is a change in the officials line-up, Michael Salisbury was due to be the video assistant referee for this match as he was for Chelsea v Fulham yesterday, but the PGMOL have announced they have made a change. He has been replaced by John Brooks.
You don't have to be a genius to work out that perhaps there was an intervention yesterday that was unnecessary.
Comment at the top of this page, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Very disappointed with the line up. Odegaard not starting is understandable seeing that he went off injured, but Eze had a full pre season and played both league games for Palace, a Premier league team. Even so, no Nwaneri either, so no creativity in the no10. Arteta clearly coming to play for a draw.
Rezaa, SA
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield
Liverpool make one change from Monday's dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle United, fit-again Alexis Mac Allister comes in for Curtis Jones.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Robertson, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Ngumoha.
Arsenal's new £60m signing Eberechi Eze is named on the bench for the blockbuster clash with Liverpool at Anfield, even though Bukayo Saka is out with a hamstring injury.
Gabriel Martinelli comes in, while captain Martin Odegaard is only fit enough to be a substitute after suffering a shoulder injury in the 5-0 win against Leeds United. Mikel Merino comes in.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Annous, Odegaard, Trossard, Eze, Nwaneri.
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard are among the subs for Arsenal, while Alexis Mac Allister returns to the Liverpool starting 11.
Full team news to come.
Stunning Szoboszlai goal sees Liverpool beat Arsenal
At a glance
Eberechi Eze came off the bench for Arsenal after 69 minutes following his £60m move from Crystal Palace.
Arsenal lost defender William Saliba to injury after only five minutes, replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike had a goal ruled out for offside on the hour.
Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant free-kick put Liverpool ahead with seven minutes left.
Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant late free-kick gave Liverpool victory against Arsenal after a hard-fought meeting of the Premier League superpowers at Anfield.
A dour encounter looked to be heading for a draw until the Hungarian curved a magnificent strike past Arsenal keeper from 30 years in front of an exultant Kop after 83 minutes.
The Gunners, who kept new £60m signing Eberechi Eze on the bench until the second half, suffered an early setback when key defender William Saliba went off injured after five minutes, to be replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.
Arteta said after the game that Saliba had twisted his ankle during the warm-up.
Chances were at a premium as both sides showed each other huge respect, although Liverpool had a goal ruled out when striker Hugo Ekitike was adjudged offside after bundling home a finish in front of The Kop.
Liverpool mounted increasing pressure as the second half went on, but it took a stunning moment from Szoboszlai to maintain their winning start to the season and inflict Arsenal's first defeat.
Slot praises Szoboszlai's 'mentality' playing at right-back
Liverpool go into the international break with maximum points from their three Premier League games - and still without demonstrating the full fluency they showed when they strolled to the title last season.
It is a chilling thought for those, including the Arsenal side beaten at Anfield, who harbour hopes of wrestling away the crown they have now won on 20 occasions.
The art of champions is finding a way and Liverpool have now done it in their first three games, scoring two late goals to beat Bournemouth at Anfield in their opening game, an injury-time winner at Newcastle United, then another victory secured in the closing stages against The Gunners.
In a match that saw both sides cancel each other out for long periods, it was Szoboszlai who proved to be the match-winner with a piece of stunning individual skill that delivered the blow to Arsenal, giving keeper David Raya no chance with that late free-kick.
Liverpool now assume the familiar position at the top of the Premier League table, with every intention of adding to their all-powerful squad with the pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to strengthen their defence before Monday's transfer deadline, as well as the ongoing saga of Newcastle United's striker Alexander Isak which could yet see the Swede move to Anfield.
Mikel Arteta reacts to defeat by Liverpool
Arsenal will have marked down this early meeting with Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate this is the season they will finally clear the obstacles to becoming champions.
And while a defeat in their third game of the season is hardly a defining moment, there will be real frustration for manager Mikel Arteta and his players that they came close to securing a draw they would have regarded as a good point, only to leave Anfield empty-handed once more.
Anfield is assuming the status of a bogey ground for Arsenal as they are now winless in their past 13 Premier League games away to Liverpool - drawing five and losing eight - since a 2-0 win in September 2012.
Arsenal were strong in defence throughout but - and this applied to both teams for long periods - they rarely threatened apart from when Noni Madueke forced a first-half save from Liverpool keeper Alisson.
New striker Viktor Gyokeres had a tough 90 minutes against Liverpool defensive pair Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, although he rarely had decent service.
Arteta chose to keep new signing Eze back until the final 20 minutes, with the former Crystal Palace attacking midfielder showing signs of what he will offer, but ultimately this was more Anfield disappointment for Arsenal.
Liverpool: The Reds resume after the international break by travelling to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Sunday, 14 September at 14:00 BST. They then have their first Champions League game at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, 17 September at 20:00 BST.
Arsenal: Their next Premier League is against Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 13 September at 12:30 BST. The Gunners then open their Champions League campaign away to Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, 16 September, kick-off 17:45 BST.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
|
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Manager: Arne Slot
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Mikel Arteta
Formation: 4 - 3 - 3
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Liverpool are winless in six Premier League matches against Arsenal (D4 L2), their longest winless run against the Gunners since going eight without a win between October 2007 and April 2011.
The last three Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield have all been drawn, while the Gunners are winless in their last 12 away games against the Reds (D5 L7) since a 2-0 win back in September 2012, with manager Mikel Arteta starting for the Gunners that day.
Only Liverpool vs Spurs (206) has seen more goals of all Premier League fixtures than Arsenal vs Liverpool (198). Since the 2015-16 campaign, it has seen the most goals of any fixture (78 in 20 games).
This is the earliest the previous season’s top two sides are meeting in a Premier League campaign since 2017-18, when Chelsea won 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur in their second game.
Arsenal have won their first two Premier League games without conceding in 2025-26 – in only one of their last 20 seasons have they won their first three games, doing so in 2022-23. The last time the Gunners won their first three matches without conceding in a league season was 1924-25.
Liverpool need to score in this game to set a new club record for consecutive scoring games in the top-flight – their current run of 36 is level with a run between March 2019 and February 2020. They’ve scored in 98% of their games under Arne Slot (39/40), the highest percentage by any manager in Premier League history.
Since the start of 2023-24, Arsenal have scored 33 corner goals in the Premier League – more than any other side in Europe’s big-five leagues in that timeframe. The Gunners have scored from a corner in their last three games – they’ve never done so in four games in a row before.
Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha became the second-youngest debut Premier League scorer in history (16 years, 361 days) with his goal against Newcastle, behind James Vaughan (16 years, 270 days in 2005). The current youngest player to score in his first two games is Federico Macheda in 2009 (17 years, 232 days).
Mohamed Salah has netted 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, with only Harry Kane (14) and Wayne Rooney (12) ever netting more against the Gunners. One of those came for Chelsea, while the other 10 have been for Liverpool – only Roberto Firmino has more against Arsenal just for the Reds (11).
Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber has had a hand in five goals in his last five Premier League starts (2 goals, 3 assists). In the 5-0 win over Leeds, Timber became the first defender to score two goals and get an assist in a match since Martin Skrtel in March 2014 for Liverpool vs Cardiff.
