Olaleye Idowu
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya appears to blame the new ball used in the Premier League this season for his failure to stop Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick from hitting the back of the net.
Szoboszlai’s 83rd-minute stunning free-kick was what the Reds needed to secure all three points at Anfield on Sunday.
The win meant that the Reds have maintained their 100 per cent start to the season.
Hungarian defender, Szoboszlai, hit the ball over 30 yards to find the back of the Arsenal net with Raya diving a little too late.
The Spain international goalkeeper told Sky Sports after the game that the Premier League’s new ball, manufactured by Puma, moves with such speed that he was yet to get used to dealing with it.
The Spaniard expressed disappointment that he was unable to save the goal, promising to do better next time.
“I think it’s a hell of a strike. I remember the ball moving a lot and moving away from me.
“With the new balls and everything, we still have to adapt. It’s going away from me, so it’s harder to gauge and save it.
“It is different to the Nike ball so we have to adapt to it. The grip is different, the kick is different.
“We just have to adapt after playing with the Nike ball for many years. It’s the same for everybody.”
With the win, Liverpool has taken an early lead in the title race this season. The Reds are the defending champions.
Arsenal are hoping to win the title this season, having finished second in the last three seasons. The Gunners were beaten to the title twice by Manchester City and once by Liverpool.
