Premier League, Anfield - Liverpool 5 (Skrtel 1, 10, Sterling 16, 52, Sturridge 20) Arsenal 1 (Arteta 69 pen)
An incredible first-half performance set Liverpool on their way to a 5-1 dismantling of Arsenal at Anfield.
Despite Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers stating earlier in the week that his side were no longer title contenders, all signs point to the contrary after a sizzling start en route to an emphatic victory over the Gunners.
Defender Martin Skrtel opened the scoring with a minute on the clock, heading home Steven Gerrard’s cross before the two combined shortly after to double the hosts’ lead.
The Reds continued to assert their dominance as Arsenal looked shellshocked. Suarez rattled the frame of the goal with a 25-yard volley before Raheem Sterling rounded off a swift Liverpool counter attack to put the game beyond doubt.
The Liverpool fans were still celebrating as Philippe Coutinho picked off Mikel Arteta’s stray ball on the halfway line to send Sturridge through on goal with an incisive pass. The England forward steadied himself with a clever first touch, opening his body to finish past the stranded Wojciech Szczesny from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts started the second half with a very different game plan, retaining possession and attacking on the counter. The tactic allowed for Arsenal to see more of the ball in the second period, but Liverpool continued to threaten and it was soon 5-0 as Sterling Grabbed his second with a darting run and clever finish.
The Gunners finally got on the scoresheet as Gerrard’s poorly-timed sliding tackled felled Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the penalty area.
Mikel Arteta stepped up, clipping the ball down the middle of the goal to grab a consolation goal for the visitors as Liverpool ran out worthy winners. - AFP
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