Arteta’s Arsenal Fall Short Again at Anfield

Arteta’s Arsenal Fall Short Again at Anfield

Arsenal’s wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield stretched to 13 games after a Dominik Szoboszlai thunderbolt handed Liverpool a late 1-0 win in a cagey early-season clash.

With expectations sky-high following a £248m summer outlay, including the signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, Mikel Arteta approached the game with caution rather than conviction—only to see his side undone by a moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute.

Cautious Arsenal Fall Short Again

Pre-match slogans such as “Make a statement” were not backed up by the Gunners’ performance. Arteta’s conservative game plan, featuring Mikel Merino as a safe replacement for the injured Martin Ødegaard, and benching Eze until the final 20 minutes, suggested Arsenal were playing for a draw rather than going for the win.

Despite missing Bukayo Saka, Saliba (injured after 5 minutes), and with Ødegaard unfit to start, Arteta fielded a side that rarely troubled a vulnerable Liverpool backline.

Szoboszlai’s Screamer the Difference

Arsenal’s new £64m striker Viktor Gyokeres was frustrated in the defeat by Liverpool at Anfield

The deadlock was broken late on when Dominik Szoboszlai curved a stunning 30-yard free-kick past David Raya, punishing Arsenal for their passive approach.

Liverpool, despite being far from their best, now sit top of the Premier League with a perfect 9 points from 3 games, sending an ominous warning to their rivals.

Arteta’s Comments & Post-Match Reflections

Arteta defended the display, saying:

“You cannot dominate here for 90 minutes… We were much better than last year. You have to put the ball in the back of the net if you want to win the game.”

However, critics argue that Arsenal’s late surge came too little, too late, and that Arteta’s game management cost them a golden chance to take advantage of an out-of-rhythm Liverpool side.

The Anfield Curse Continues

• Arsenal are winless in their last 13 league visits to Anfield.

• They’ve recorded just 1 clean sheet in their last 27 league games at the stadium.

• Their last win at the ground? September 2012, when Arteta himself was still a player.

What This Means Going Forward

Arteta now faces questions not only about his tactical approach but also his handling of new signings. Gyokeres was isolated up front, barely receiving service, and Eze’s spark was delayed until the match was beyond reach.

If Arsenal are to end their 5-year trophy drought and truly challenge Liverpool, matches like these demand courage, not caution.