More positive news then came today when the Reds confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record transfer fee.
Szoboszlai curled a sublime set-piece past Arsenal keeper David Raya with seven minutes left at Anfield in a tense clash between the two leading contenders for the Premier League title.
The Hungary midfielder’s gem was enough to seal a third successive league victory for champions Liverpool as Arsenal lost for the first time this term following consecutive wins.
Arsenal finished as runners-up behind Liverpool last season and the clubs have been engaged in an expensive arms race since the end of the season.
A host of high-profile signings aimed at tilting the balance of power in the title race have arrived at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres had their chance to shine under the spotlight yesterday.
None of the new additions dazzled. Szoboszlai, deployed out of position at right-back, to provide the defining moment.
Zubimendi fouled Curtis Jones 25 yards from goal and Szoboszlai stepped up to delivered a masterful finish.
Liverpool, who have the only 100% record left in the top tier, go into the international break in a familiar position on top of the table as they chase a record 21st English title.
They were further boosted with news that Swedish forward Isak is set to join in a deal worth about £130 million (B5.7 billion), according to reports by The Athletic and The Telegraph, among other outlets.
The Athletic reported that Isak will undergo a medical today before completing a six-year deal with the Merseyside club.
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Meanwhile, Manchester City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton that extended their troubled start to the season yesterday.
Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal in the competition since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
But the 25-year-old’s third goal this season wasn’t enough to help Pep Guardiola’s side bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 home loss to Tottenham.
James Milner’s second half penalty hauled Brighton level before Brajan Gruda’s late strike completed City’s collapse.
Elsewhere yesterday, West Ham eased the pressure on boss Graham Potter with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Potter had faced calls for his sacking after West Ham conceded eight goals in two successive top-flight defeats, then crashed out of the League Cup at Wolves.
Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter, who has only been in charge of West Ham since January, may have earned a stay of execution thanks to a late goal spree at the City Ground.
England forward Jarrod Bowen curled home from 18 yards in the 84th minute before a Lucas Paqueta and a late Callum Wilson header sealed the win.
Fernandes lifts Man Utd gloom
On Saturday Bruno Fernandes eased the pressure on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim as his last-gasp penalty sealed a 3-2 win over Burnley.
Just days after a humiliating League Cup second-round loss at fourth-tier Grimsby, United were on the brink of another damaging result after promoted Burnley twice came from behind at Old Trafford.
Amorim had admitted after the Grimsby debacle that he sometimes thinks about quitting and often “hates” his players.
His mood would have been even darker before United captain Fernandes came to the rescue seven minutes into stoppage time.
United’s first win in three league games this season will give Amorim some much-needed respite heading into the international break, although questions will still be asked of the Portuguese coach after his side’s latest erratic display.
Tottenham were beaten 1-0 by Bournemouth to end manager Thomas Frank’s strong start since he arrived from Brentford to replace the sacked Ange Postecoglou in the close-season.
Spurs had won their first two league games under the Dane without conceding a goal, including a 2-0 win at Manchester City last weekend.
But Evanilson struck in the fifth minute with a deflected shot as Bournemouth left north London with their second win this term.
Chelsea benefit from VAR drama
Chelsea took advantage of VAR controversy to beat Fulham 2-0 as the visitors were left to rue a series of costly decisions awarded against them at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side, who have seven points from three games, were fortunate not to fall behind in the west London derby when Fulham were harshly denied a first-half opener.
Josh King’s strike was ruled out after VAR deemed Rodrigo Muniz’s accidental collision with Trevoh Chalobah was worthy of a foul.
As if that wasn’t infuriating enough for Fulham boss Marco Silva, Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead beyond the scheduled eight minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Adding to Silva’s anger, Chelsea’s second goal was also VAR-influenced as Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled a cross, leading to Enzo Fernandez converting from the penalty spot.
Jack Grealish starred as Everton beat Wolves 3-2 at Molineux.
Beto headed Everton in front from Grealish’s flick after seven minutes before Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan levelled in the 21st minute.
Iliman Ndiaye restored Everton’s advantage in the 33rd minute, applying the finishing touch to a flowing move involving on-loan Manchester City winger Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Dewsbury-Hall bagged Everton’s third, blasting home from Grealish’s pass in the 55th minute before Rodrigo Gomes reduced the deficit in the 79th minute.
Newcastle again badly missed the presence of a striker in their second 0-0 of the season away to Leeds.
New club record signing Nick Woltemade watched on from the stands after joining from Stuttgart on Saturday, which could see the wantaway Alexander Isak get his wish of a move to Liverpool.
Newcastle remain without a win this season.
Sunderland staged an impressive fightback to beat Brentford 2-1 at the Stadium of Light thanks to Wilson Isidor’s stoppage time header.
In yesterday’s late game Crystal Palace won 3-0 at Aston Villa.