Liverpool put five past Arsenal to strengthen their grip on fourth

Liverpool gave themselves a huge boost in their quest for a top-four finish by thumping Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Martin Skrtel put the hosts in front inside after just 51 seconds, before the Slovakia international scored his and the Reds’ second inside ten minutes.

Goals from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge made it 4-0 inside twenty minutes, before Sterling added a fifth seven minutes into the second half to destroy and hopes that the visitors could mount a comeback, though they did grab a consolation through Mikel Arteta from the penalty spot.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are now five points clear of fifth place Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Everton yesterday, and just six behind new league leaders Chelsea, who replaced Arsenal at the summit following their 3-0 win over Newcastle United.

Liverpool will now turn their attention to Wednesday evening’s trip to bottom of the table Fulham, before they face Arsenal again on Sunday afternoon, in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Daniel Sturridge’s goal moved him level with Sergio Aguero on fifteen in the Premier League so far this season, with both players eight behind Luis Suarez.

The Uruguay international’s 23 goals to the Reds this campaign have all come in the league, and he has just scored once in the last five games in all competitions.