Five Talking Points from Liverpool's resounding victory over Arsenal

Arsenal’s dogged defense ripped apart by the reds

Coming into the game, Arsenal had the second-best defense in the League, but within 20 minutes, they were 4-0 down. Liverpool started like a house on fire and if Suarez’s shot hadn’t hit the post or Kolo Toure been more effective in front of goal, the Reds would have been 6-0 up. By the time, the half-time whistle came, Arsenal were more than happy to get off the pitch after being 4-0 down at half-time, for only the second time in the Premier League. Although the final score line was 5-1, had Liverpool taken their chances, it could have very well been a cricket score. The Gunners were left exposed in the middle, with their midfielders unable to contain the deep running of the opposition.

Rodgers’s 4 P’s work to perfection

Before the game, the Liverpool coach spoke of the 4 P’s that were pivotal to Liverpool’s chances of beating the league leaders. Possession, Passing, Patience and Penetration were what he was talking about and Liverpool executed that to perfection. Although Arsenal had more of the ball, it was Liverpool who created more chances thanks to their penetrative passing. There were times in the first half, in which, Liverpool, already 4-0 up, had to be the patient and keep hold of the ball and they did that to perfection. More than that, every single Liverpool player pressed the player on the ball, as if their lives depended on it and didn’t give the Gunners any time on the ball at all. And, whilst Liverpool plan worked, Arsenal were just pathetic and their big players just didn’t turn up, all of which resulted in yet another home win for the Reds.

Arsenal failed to turn up in a big game… yet again

Although Arsenal have been top of the League for much of the season, far too often, they have come up short in the big games this season. Their big-name players have failed to turn up on the biggest stage, more than once this season. They drew at home to both Everton and Chelsea and lost away to both the Manchester clubs. This defeat to Liverpool away from home meant that they lost their chance to go five points clear at the top of the table. And whilst Arsenal have been ruthless against the lesser sides, when the going gets tough, Arsenal have time and again failed to get going. If Arsenal are to stand a realistic chance of winning the title, they have to start winning these big games sooner rather than later.

Liverpool show plenty of variety in attack

A criticism that is often levelled at Liverpool is that, they rely too heavily on one or two players. For a long time it was Gerrard, now it is Suarez and Sturridge. But, if there was one striking aspect of their play against the Gunners, it was that, they showed that there is more to their attack than just the front two. Whilst it is true that SAS have combined for more than 50% of their goals this season, their movement has also meant that plenty of others, who rarely get a look in previously, were able to get in on the act. In fact, the first two goals came from set pieces, an area, which they have vastly improved on this season. But, the biggest benefactor has been Raheem Sterling, a player who is, slowly but surely developing into one of the most intelligent wingers in the country.

Are Liverpool back in the title race?

The title race is shaping up very nicely on the back of recent results. Although Arsenal have led the League, for pretty much the entire season, there are more than a few flaws in their armor. Manchester City, only recently had their unblemished home record taken away from them by Chelsea and are without their key striker for a month. Chelsea, look to have finally gotten their act together under Mourinho and are looking strong favorites once again. Back-to-back convincing home victories over Everton and Arsenal have meant Liverpool are just five points behind Arsenal. With Manchester City and Chelsea still to visit Anfield, it is certainly shaping up to an intriguing battle for this season’s crown, which at one point, looked like a foregone conclusion.