Arsenal travelled to Anfield in an early test of their Premier League title credentials.
Mikel Arteta resisted temptation of handing a debut to Eberechi Eze from the start as he included Mikel Merino in the middle of the park with Martin Odegaard on the bench after a shoulder problem.
It was a tight first half with both sides lacking quality in the final third, Gary Neville was critical of Declan Rice’s set-piece deliveries.
With eight minutes remaining Liverpool sparked into life as Dominik Szoboszlai produced an incredible free kick to beat David Raya to secure a narrow 1-0 win.
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Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori has had an excellent start to the campaign, cementing his place at left back in place of Myles Lewis-Skelly.
That move from Arteta has surprised many but the Italian showed up against Mohamed Salah that he is an excellent defender as well as carrying a threat going forward.
Calafiori stood up to the challenge exquisitely well and was strong in the duels and intelligent with his reading of the game.
Gabriel Magalhaes
When Saliba went off injured early on, Arsenal fans would have been fearing the worst but Gabriel Magalhaes was colossal at the back for Arteta’s side.
He talked Cristhian Mosquera through the entire game and won the physical battle up against Hugo Ekitike.
Gabriel took the captain’s armband from the start of the match and it was certainly a captain’s performance full of grit and leadership at the back.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool
William Saliba
Injuries were a huge problem for the Gunners last season and after having already lost Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka at the start of this campaign, William Saliba has become the latest.
The hugely influential French defender lasted just five minutes before signalling to the bench for what appeared to be a problem with his left ankle.
All eyes will now be on how serious the problem is and how long the defender will be out of action for ahead of the rest of the campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli looks set to stay at Arsenal after a summer of speculation linking the Brazilian winger with a move away from the club.
After such a bright start to his career in North London, it has been a frustrating last couple of seasons and he was trusted by Arteta to make his second start of the season in this huge clash.
However, up against Dominik Szoboszlai, a central midfielder playing right back, the 23-year-old had little to no impact on the game.
He had a chance to play in Viktor Gyokeres in the first half but hesitated with the pass and often ran with the ball down blind alleys.
Mikel Arteta
Another big game where Arsenal will wonder what might have been. Arteta’s selection was safe and didn’t inspire the belief that the side could go and make a statement win.
Liverpool were there for the taking, especially in the first half and Arsenal’s lack of creativity in midfield hindered their opportunity to expose any weakness at the back.
The Gunners defended well like they always do but a moment of brilliance means they lose their unbeaten start and Arteta certainly has questions to answer for after this display.
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