Liverpool Maintains Winning Start with Szoboszlai Free-Kick Amid Goalkeeper Adjustment to New Premier League Ball

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya acknowledged that he is still adjusting to the new Puma balls introduced this Premier League season, which he believes contributed to his inability to save Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning 30-yard free-kick that secured Liverpool's 1-0 victory at Anfield. Raya described the new balls as having different grip and flight characteristics compared to the previous Nike balls used for many years, making it harder to judge and save shots like Szoboszlai's. Despite the defeat, Raya praised the quality of Szoboszlai’s strike, calling it a 'hell of a strike' and noting the ball's movement away from him. Szoboszlai attributed his successful free-kick to extensive practice, highlighting the opportunity his team had to train the shot due to a lighter match schedule. The switch from Nike to Puma as the Premier League's official ball supplier has led to ongoing adaptation challenges for players, especially goalkeepers, across the league. This goal maintained Liverpool’s perfect start to the season and gave them an early lead in the title race.