Arsenal's hopes of mounting a genuine challenge for the Barclays Premier League title looked under serious threat after Arsene Wenger's side were embarrassed by a rampant Liverpool at Anfield.
Martin Skrtel prodded the home side in front after just 52 seconds as Arsenal fell asleep from a free-kick and the shell-shocked Gunners soon found themselves four goals down inside 20 minutes.
Skrtel doubled the lead with a superb header, Raheem Sterling tapped in an easy third after Mesut Ozil was dispossessed with ease in midfield and Daniel Sturridge added a cool finish after being sent clear on goal.
Sterling added the fifth goal after the break with a tap-in after his initial shot was blocked by Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny, and while Mikel Arteta clipped in a penalty for Arsenal, it was scant consolation and Wenger's men now have it all to prove in the race for the Premier League crown.
More to follow.
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On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon
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Hit the road, Jack: Arsenal midfielder Wilshere can't believe his side's capitulation against their rivals
Match facts
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mignolet 7: Flanagan 8, Skrtel 9, Toure 8, Cissokho 7: Gerrard 8 (Ibe 76mins 6), Henderson 8: Sturridge 8 (Allen 66mins 6), Coutinho 8, Sterling 9: Suarez 9 (Aspas 86mins)
Unused: Jones, Luis Alberto, Moses, Kelly
Goals: Skrtel (1, 10), Sterling (15, 52), Sturridge (20), Arteta (69 pen)
Booked: Henderson
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Szczesny 4: Sagna 4, Mertesacker 4, Koiscielny 4, Monreal 3 (Gibbs 61mins); Arteta 5, Wilshere 4: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Ozil 3 (Rosicky 60mins 6), Cazorla 3: Giroud 4 (Podolski 60mins 5)
Unused: Fabianski, Bendtner, Jenkinson, Gnabry
Booked: Henderson, Giroud, Wilshere
Attendance: 44,701
Referee: M Oliver 8
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
*Player ratings by DOMINIC KING at Anfield
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Flying start: Martin Skrtel (left) prods home the first goal after just 52 seconds at Anfield
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Roar of delight: The Slovakia centre-half wheels away in celebration after his opening strike
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Head boy: Skrtel (left) doubled Liverpool's advantage with a superb finish while leaning back
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Back of the net: Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny dives in vain to try and stop Skrtel's header
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Predator: Raheem Sterling adds the third goal by tucking away a simple finish at the back post
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Sterling job: The Liverpool winger is hoisted into the air by team-mate Luis Suarez to celebrate
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Join the party: Daniel Sturridge slots into the back of the net with his left foot to make it four-nil
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Trademark: Sturridge performs his dancing goal celebration while Szczesny is forced to watch
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All too easy: Sterling was left with an easy finish for the fifth goal after his first effort was saved
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Face it: Arsenal were left staring at humiliation after Sterling's (right) second goal
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Would have been goal of the season: Suarez hit the post with an incredible 40-yard volley in the first half
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Painful viewing: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (centre) reacts during his team's miserable defeat
original post found here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2554029/Liverpool-5-Arsenal-1-match-report-League-leaders-humiliated-Skrtel-Sterling-Sturridge-run-riot.html
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