Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai emerged as the hero on Sunday with a thunderous free-kick that secured a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Hungarian midfielder, filling in as a makeshift right-back, unleashed a sensational strike from 25 yards that flew past David Raya into the top corner, clinching three vital points for the Reds at Anfield.
The opportunity came after Curtis Jones was fouled by Martin Zubimendi, who was booked for the challenge. Szoboszlai stepped up and delivered a world-class finish to the delight of the home crowd.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the 24-year-old shared his excitement over the goal while cheekily referencing former team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold:
“Luckily we could practice some free-kicks. I felt this was a bit further. I was like, ‘I’ll take the risk’. I was confident in myself, I tried it… finally [I’ve scored from a free-kick]. When you practice all the time, now I should mention Trent because he was taking the free-kicks in the past. Finally I could have my chance and did it.”
Szoboszlai also revealed his tactical approach to the strike, noting Raya’s goalkeeping tendencies:
“This shot I didn’t practice in the past few weeks because we were shooting closer. I had to take a risk and shoot a little bit harder because I knew Raya likes to jump behind the ball. It’s an unbelievable goalkeeper. If it goes a bit more inside, he saves it.”
The victory lifts Liverpool’s spirits as they prepare for their next league fixture against Burnley on September 14 after the international break.
