Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Arsenal as Dominik Szoboszlai and one more excellent

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL // Dominik Szoboszlai scored a sensational late Liverpool winner with a free-kick from distance that flew into the net to hand Arne Slot an advantage in the Premier League title race.

At the break, it was goalless with little to separate the sides. Arsenal had limited Liverpool's attacking players, but a little more was needed from both sets of forwards in the final third.

In the end, it was the man filling in at full-back who netted, finding the top corner from 35 yards out. In a game so tight, it was always going to take a moment of magic to break the deadlock, and that is exactly what Szoboszlai provided.

Winners

The match-winner, Szoboszlai, was superb defensively and then popped up with a simply brilliant strike. Three games in, we have the Goal of the Season winner.

This was a much-improved performance from Ibrahima Konate compared to the first couple of matches of the season, where he has looked like he was playing on rollerskates. He was much more composed in the main, which can only be a good sign, though he did draw the wrath of Virgil van Dijk a couple of times.

Elsewhere, Ryan Gravenberch was strong in the middle of the field. Hugo Ekitike had his moments but just needed to tie everything together. Nonetheless, in his first game of this magnitude, it was promising.

Losers

William Saliba going off injured and being replaced by Cristhian Mosquera early on was certainly not in the plan for Arsenal. The replacement did well for the star man, though, showing strong mettle to be thrown into such a big occasion.

Florian Wirtz grew into things but hasn't quite ignited yet, but ht was far from a loser. Neither set of players was given the time or space to be able to produce flowing stuff.

Player ratings

Alisson Becker (7). Made one good low save in the first half and his distribution was generally good, even when he was put under pressure by the Arsenal attackers.

Dominik Szoboszlai (9). Filling in at right-back again, where he did so well against Newcastle United on Monday, the Liverpool number eight was excellent against Gabriel Martinelli and then Eberechi Eze. Right now, it's his best way into the team. His goal will be Liverpool's best this season, you would imagine. Sensational.

Ibrahima Konate (7). With interest in Marc Guehi, the Frenchman has been under pressure to play better lately, drawing criticism from various quarters for his early-season performances. This was much better and more composed, albeit in a much less chaotic environment. Better, but not perfect.

Virgil van Dijk (7). Typically strong and showed his leadership skills at the back, but was sloppy once or twice in possession. A good showing.

Milos Kerkez (7). There was a school of thought that suggested Andy Robertson, named vice-captain ahead of the game, could come in to shore things up, but the Hungary left-back kept his spot. He just about managed to deal with Noni Madueke, who looked threatening.

Ryan Gravenberch (8). Lining up against Martin Zubimendi, the player whose rejection set up such a stellar season for him when he switched to the number six role, he did well enough. Booked just under half an hour into the game, the Dutchman then had to tread a tightrope. Classy on the ball and rarely gave it away.

Alexis Mac Allister (7). The Argentine missed the trip to Newcastle due to a minor injury, but was back in here and deservedly so. His passing range is excellent, and his quick thinking was needed in a congested middle third. He only came off because he is still working his way back to full match sharpness.

Mohamed Salah (6). There were some nice touches in there from the Egyptian, who was stationed right out on the touchline to maximize the Liverpool width. However, he just wasn't as involved as he would have liked.

Florian Wirtz (6). The German really struggled for space against Newcastle and it was the same story here. He improved in the second half but there was so little space. In this game, he appeared to be tasked with marking Gabriel from set-pieces (an odd mismatch) but got away with it.

Cody Gakpo (6). Fresh from signing a new contract at Anfield this week, the Dutch winger was a nailed-on starter but needed to get involved more in the game. He was left pretty isolated on the left flank.

Hugo Ekitike (6). With two goals in two Premier League games heading into this one, the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward was in flying form. It was his hold-up play that was most tested here, with mixed results.

Substitutes

Curtis Jones (7). He played really well against Newcastle earlier in the week and was thrown into the heat again here. Did well to get attuned quickly.

Joe Gomez (7). There is interest in him from elsewhere, but this is why Liverpool is keen to keep him around. He is very useful to throw in when required, either in the center or at full-back. He was very good here.

Federico Chiesa (6). The Italian was put on up top and didn't do a great deal. That's why Liverpool wants Alexander Isak... Wataru Endo also came on but too late to earn a rating.