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Liverpool put in one of the best 20 minute displays in Premier League history to build a lead they would not surrender, as they comfortably beat the Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
After Martin Skrtel scored in the opening minute, Brendan Rodgers' side never looked like losing. Skrtel added a second as well as a brace from England youngster Raheem Sterling and another from Daniel Sturridge, with a consolation Mikel Arteta penalty giving the Gunners more than they deserved in a dreadful showing.
The victory moves Liverpool five points clear of Everton in fourth place, and just six points off leaders Arsenal, who could be overtaken by both Chelsea and Manchester City this weekend.
Find out how each player rated below: Show all 22 1 /22Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Simon Mignolet - 6/10 Not greatly tested but held firm when needed
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings John Flanagan - 8 Got forward often and showed good passing ability
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Martin Skrtel - 9 Set the tone for the victory with two early goals in strong display
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Kolo Toure - 7 Could also have got on the scoresheet as the Reds made strong start
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Aly Cissokho - 7 The quieter member of the Liverpool back four but solid enough
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Jordan Henderson - 9 Lively performance, getting back to win possession and charging forward
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Steven Gerrard - 8 Superb set-piece delivery undid Arsenal and was defensively sound, the penalty incident aside
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Philippe Coutinho - 8 Showed good movement, trickery and passing and was unlucky not to get a goal
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Raheem Sterling - 9 The Gunners could not handle his pace and he punished them in front of goal
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Daniel Sturridge - 8 A typical high-energy display rewarded with yet another goal
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Luis Suarez - 9 Not on the scoresheet, but not for lack of trying in another mesmerising performance in which he hit post
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Wojciech Szczesny - 5 Could do little to stem the tide as Liverpool attacked relentlessly
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Bacary Sagna - 5 Unable to exert his usual influence on the right flank
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Per Mertseacker - 5 A rare off-day for the German, who was unconvincing
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Laurent Koscielny - 5 Made some anxious clearances as Liverpool ran at him mercilessly
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Nacho Monreal - 5 Was troubled by Sturridge early on and things hardly got better
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Mesut Ozil - 5 Caught in possession too often - sometimes costly - and his delivery was wayward
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Jack Wilshere - 6 Tried to impose himself but was clearly not fully match-fit and Liverpool refused to give him time on the ball
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Mikel Arteta - 6 Forced to play too deeply to have a major influence but took penalty coolly
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 His dangerous runs were too infrequent to seriously worry Liverpool
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Santi Cazorla - 5 Also pushed back and struggled to break out
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Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1: Player ratings Olivier Giroud - 5 Was hardly given a touch of the ball and did not look greatly effective when he did
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