Liverpool produced a dazzling attacking display to destroy Arsenal as Arsene Wenger’s side were humiliated at Anfield.
Wenger surprisingly chose to leave out summer signing Alexandre Lacazette, and the £52.6m striker could only look on as every one of the Gunners’ old, familiar failings were brutally exposed by Liverpool’s pace, movement and sheer desire.
Roberto Firmino headed in Joe Gomez’s cross to give Liverpool a 17th-minute lead to start an attacking blitz that ended in a final scoreline that actually flattered Arsenal.
Sadio Mane curled in Liverpool’s second before Mohamed Salah ran half the length of the field on the break to stroke home the third after 57 minutes. The fact that the goal came from an Arsenal corner merely emphasised the shambolic nature of their display, which lacked organisation, commitment and passion.
Arsenal were overrun and showed no stomach for the fight. Liverpool substitute Daniel Sturridge gave the scoreline a more realistic appearance when he headed home the fourth at the far post from Salah’s cross 13 minutes from the end.