Szoboszlai's patience rewarded as stunning free-kick downs Arsenal

Dominik Szoboszlai revealed he has been patiently waiting for a chance to take free-kicks for Liverpool, having stepped out of Trent Alexander-Arnold's shadow with a stunning winner against Arsenal.

Liverpool were frustrated by their Premier League title rivals until the 83rd minute at Anfield on Sunday, when Szoboszlai provided the decisive moment.

The Hungary international whipped a fine free-kick over the Gunners' wall and in off the post, ensuring Liverpool enter the international break as the only Premier League team on maximum points.

And after full-time, Szoboszlai said he was unable to demonstrate his set-piece prowess before Trent Alexander-Arnold left the club to join Real Madrid in June.

Szoboszlai told Sky Sports: "I took a risk. I was confident in myself, so I tried it and, yeah, finally!

"I should mention Trent. He was taking the free-kicks because, obviously, he has an unbelievable shot. But finally, I could have my chance and I did it.

"I had to take a risk and shoot it a little bit harder because I know [David] Raya likes to jump behind the wall and, of course, he's an unbelievable goalkeeper. I think if it goes a little bit more inside, he saves it."

Szoboszlai's strike came from a greater distance (32.2 yards) than any other Premier League goal this season, while it was Liverpool's latest winning goal from a direct free-kick in the Premier League since August 2007 (Steven Gerrard versus Aston Villa, 87th minute). 

The Reds only accumulated 0.5 expected goals (xG) to Arsenal's 0.6, and boss Arne Slot always expected the match to be decided by a piece of individual quality.

"A moment of magic was needed to win this game, for either side," Slot told BBC Match of the Day. 

"It was an uneventful game between two teams quite equal to one another. To me, it felt like we had the upper hand in the second half, but it was decided by magic."

Liverpool are still eyeing reinforcements before Monday's transfer deadline, and their pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could be stepped up after Ibrahima Konate went off injured late on in Sunday's match.

Newcastle United's wantaway striker, Alexander Isak, also remains a target, but Slot was unable to provide an update on either move.

"I always add, 'for the right money and the right player', but I don't know if that's happening at the moment," Slot said.

"I'm just getting my emotions right after winning the game. I will probably hear tonight if anything will happen. 

"If you look at Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones coming in today, it tells you that we already have a strong squad."