Liverpool boss Arne Slot salutes Szoboszlai and reacts to Arsenal triumph
Arne Slot could not hide his delight after Liverpool’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Arsenal, with Dominik Szoboszlai producing the game’s only real moment of magic. The Hungarian midfielder, deployed in an unusual right-back role, smashed home a stunning free-kick at Anfield to keep the Reds’ perfect start to the season alive.
The contest was cagey from the outset, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and chances almost non-existent. For long spells it looked destined to be one of those nights where neither team could find the breakthrough. But Szoboszlai had other ideas, stepping up to deliver the decisive strike that settled the top-of-the-table clash.
Slot admitted afterwards that such a tight encounter would normally have ended in a draw, but praised his star man for producing the spark when it mattered most. He even described Szoboszlai as the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a Liverpool player.
“If we play this game 10 times more, I think it is eight times a draw, one for them, one for us,” Slot said. “It was uneventful, but you need a moment of magic — and Dominik gave us that.”
A mentality to admire
What made the performance even more special was Szoboszlai’s role. Naturally an attacking midfielder, he filled in at right-back for just the second or third time in his career and barely put a foot wrong. Slot highlighted his willingness to adapt and praised his work-rate as much as his stunning free-kick.
“He understands what a Liverpool player should look like,” Slot continued. “If you wear this shirt, you must give everything no matter what position you play. Today he was unbelievable. That tells you all you need to know about his mentality.”
Supporters inside Anfield felt the same, rising to their feet at full-time to give the Hungarian a rapturous ovation. His commitment and quality have already made him a fan favourite, and this latest display will only deepen that connection.
A winning start
For Slot, the victory was also symbolic of Liverpool’s growth. Last season, the Reds collected just five points from the same opening fixtures. This time, they have a perfect record and nine points from nine to sit top of the Premier League heading into the international break.
“It shows progress,” Slot said. “Some people thought we were too open against Bournemouth. Tonight nobody could say that. We defended well, we were disciplined, and we found the moment to win.”
He admitted the game may not have been a classic, even describing it as “boring” in parts, but he stressed that sometimes boring is exactly what’s needed in a title race. Liverpool showed resilience, organisation and a touch of brilliance when required.
The win also sent a message to rivals. Beating Arsenal, who pushed Liverpool all the way last season, shows Slot’s men are already ready for the big challenges ahead.
With the international break now here, fans can enjoy the table with Liverpool sitting top. And with players like Szoboszlai willing to give everything for the shirt, belief is growing that this could be another special season.
Anfield has a new hero in the No. 8, and his free-kick might just be remembered as the moment Liverpool’s title defence truly clicked into gear.