Outclassed, outrun, out thought and thoroughly outplayed. A sublime performance from Liverpool earned the Reds a famous 5-1 over the league leaders Arsenal and showed all the other teams in the Premier League that when they are their best they can steamroll past anyone. Martin Skrtel’s double opened the floodgates for Liverpool’s onslaught early on before Raheem Sterling’s brace and Daniel Sturridge’s composed finish gave Arsenal a hard earned lesson. The Gunners got a consolation thanks to Mikel Arteta’s penalty but that was all the travelling side could manage from the vociferous Anfield this afternoon.
Here are Liverpool’s player ratings from the encounter.
Simon Mignolet: The Belgian shot stopper had very little to do throughout the entire course of the ninety minutes and was a mere spectator in Liverpool’s master class over a hapless Arsenal side. Mignolet however couldn’t prevent the penalty from Mikel Arteta but did well to prevent the Spaniard’s free kick late on and hold on to shots that were straight at him. His distribution however should improve as the campaign prolongs.
Rating: 2.5/5
Jon Flanagan: The young star had a superb outing given he was up against Santi Cazorla, as the Liverpool defender offered the Spaniard very little space throughout the match. Was immaculate going forward and his passing was sublime covering every blade of grass in the lush green Anfield pitch.
Rating: 3/5
Kolo Toure: Had a solid match alongside Martin Skrtel as he put back the horrendous mistake form the West Brom game to earn his side a clean sheet. His decision making too was impeccable and kept Olivier Giroud quiet for the entire match but got a piece of Gerrard’s mind late on in the second half.
Rating: 2/5
Martin Skrtel: Brilliant outing for the Slovakian as his two goals early on provided the platform for Liverpool’s domination. Was solid at the back and did ever so well throughout the match. A great performance!
Rating: 4/5
Aly Cissokho: Much improved performance from the left back and did very well coming up against Oxlade Chamberlain. Got forward with great enthusiasm and displayed enormous energy throughout the match.
Rating: 3/5
Jordan Henderson: I felt it was the game which certainly proves Jordan Henderson should be on the flight to Brazil for England in the world cup. Immense game for the young lad and worked hard to sting Arsenal’s midfield in the middle of the park.
Rating: 3.5/5
Steven Gerrard: An exhibition from the Liverpool captain playing in his new central defensive midfield role. Provided two great deliveries for Skrtel to open the Liverpool onslaught, had great dynamism on the ball, controlled the tempo and showed the artistry with his distribution. Gerrard however was guilty of fouling Chamberlain in the box and gave away a penalty needlessly.
Rating: 4/5
Philippe Coutinho: Man of the match for me. The Brazilian was everywhere on the pitch. Has a composed head on young shoulders and makes the split passes look so easy and refreshing to the eye. Made Jack Wilshere pretty much average with his dazzling dribbles, nimble footwork and sublime vision.
Rating: 4.5/5
Raheem Sterling: What a performance from the young lad. Scored a brace and was very unlucky not to get his hat trick but was immense with his work rate. Should also be on the flight to Brazil as he just raced past with his blistering pace past the Arsenal players as if they weren’t there.
Rating: 4/5
Luis Suarez: You would rarely witness a match in which Liverpool score five but Suarez hasn’t hit the back of the net. But the Uruguayan as always was simply stunning, world class to be precise with his trickery, pace and creating chances for his fellow team mates. Had a blitzkrieg of a volley striking the crossbar while another brilliant free kick was well saved by Szczesny, lest he would have been on the score sheet as well.
Rating: 3.5/5
Daniel Sturridge: Brilliant performance for the Englishman once again, reiterating that Liverpool can well go along to seal a Champions League place or a top three finish must also be still on. However he should have buried the easy one on one with Szczesny , but who would complain looking at the score line?
Rating: 3.5/5
Watch the match highlights here:
Watch Brendan Rodgers Interview here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0wL1NNfYAc
Watch Arsene Wenger’s Interview here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9llv5hK5nSg