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Liverpool got something of an unwelcome transfer reminder after Martin Zubimendi fired Arsenal back level with the Reds at the top of the Premier League table.
It is of course still very early stages in this season’s race for the title, although Liverpool and Arsenal do look as though they could be the teams to beat again. Arne Slot’s side is considered the favorite to defend its crown, while the Gunners have been tipped as their closest challenger, having finished as last season’s runner-up.
The Reds picked up an early advantage over their rivals after claiming what could prove to be a crucial win at Anfield before the international break, although Mikel Arteta’s side made sure to close the gap with a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, putting some pressure on Liverpool ahead of its game against Burnley on Sunday.
Zubimendi proved to be the inspiration for Arsenal, with the summer signing from Real Sociedad scoring his first goals for the club, including a spectacular opener in the first half as he volleyed home following a corner.
“It is unbelievable technique. We know he is a technician but this is top drawer,” TNT Sports pundit and former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch said of the goal.
“He has complete control of the volley. All of the Arsenal players flood into the box and it leaves the space for Zubimendi to focus on the striker. And what a brilliant goal.”
Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown added: “It just shows the caliber of the player, he is doing what it says on the tin. Arsenal bought quality and that means you get goals like that. He doesn't score many but what a way to open your account.”
Zubimendi would go on to add a second late on as he headed in Arsenal’s third goal to wrap up the three points, after Viktor Gyokeres had all but secured the victory just seconds after the break.
UK broadcaster TNT Sports would go on to award Zubimendi with the Player of the Match award, which may well have left a bitter taste in the mouth of any Liverpool fan watching on.
The Reds were of course in the running to sign the midfielder last summer before he made a dramatic U-turn and chose to stay put at Sociedad.
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"It wasn't an easy time," Zubimendi told The Athletic of his decision earlier this year. "I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
"The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave — and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision."
The decision to call off his move to Anfield was reported to have left Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes fuming at the time, and he wouldn’t have felt much better once it emerged just a few months later that the Spanish international was on his way to Arsenal.
And seeing him make such a telling impact against Forest wouldn’t have improved his mood in any way - Liverpool and Slot will be hoping there aren’t many more match-winning performances from Zubimendi as the season goes on.
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