Liverpool were majestic in their 5-1 demolition of Arsenal on Saturday night, as the Reds went nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
Premier League, Anfield
December 29, 2018
Goals: Firmino 14′, 16′, pen 65′, Mane 32′, Salah pen 45′; Maitland-Niles 11′
This unbelievable Liverpool team never cease to amaze.
They were mesmerising at times in a relentless encounter at Anfield, blitzing their opponents after coming from a goal down early on.
Roberto Firmino‘s brace swiftly put Jurgen Klopp‘s side back in control—Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored the visitors’ opener—with his second a weaving beauty that sent the home crowd wild.
Sadio Mane added a third and Mohamed Salah fired home a penalty before half-time and Firmino completed his first-ever Reds hat-trick from the spot.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the result on social media and our forums, as Liverpool heaped the pressure on Man City.
After both sides traded goals, Firmino’s majestic second of the evening was lauded…
That is a truly spectacular goal. Composure and quick feet to drag Arsenal defenders in the wrong direction before calmly slotting home. What a solo effort from Firmino.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) December 29, 2018
He's the greatest Bobby of all time.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) December 29, 2018
What. A. Goal.
— And Could He Play (@andcouldheplay7) December 29, 2018
“Bobby what a beautiful goal.”
– Reds on the forums.
Knew that dodgy 'tache had been affecting Firmino's game.
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) December 29, 2018
Bobby has burst back to life, incredible show of poise and skill for both goals.
— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) December 29, 2018
Fans were joyous at half-time, although some didn’t think the performance had been perfect…
What a first half from @LFC. Inspired, incisive, imaginative, inventive, in front.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 29, 2018
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) December 29, 2018
A weird game of footie and a beautiful score line.
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) December 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/Hari_Sethi/status/1079080272291942401
“I’ve tried my best not to get carried away but I’m swinging from the lampshade now!”
– Laurence Drewett on Facebook.
This isn't being wilfully contrary, but the strange (or impressive, I suppose) thing about this is that I still think Liverpool have been quite sloppy for quite a lot of the first half.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) December 29, 2018
“Don’t know what to say. My gut sank for about 2 minutes and it was pure pleasure thereafter. The mental strength of this team is what pleases me”
– won it at-a-turk stadium on the forums.
We're not even playing that well ??? pic.twitter.com/Fi3LuvIiXu
— Guy Drinkel (@guydrinkel) December 29, 2018
This was the kind of 1st half performance I was expecting we'd see at Emirates when I looked at Arsenal's line up. They surprised us that game with their intent & energy, this time we were ready.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) December 29, 2018
Firmino earned adoration for completing his hat-trick, as Liverpool won yet another penalty…
Wanted a no look pen to be honest. pic.twitter.com/GOsAhA83QG
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) December 29, 2018
Firmino with the first Premier League hat trick not scored by Salah for Klopp's Liverpool.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 29, 2018
Penaltypool
— Huh (@huh_digi) December 29, 2018
“No penalties at Anfield for two years, then this happens!”
– bazza66 on the forums.
BOBBY THREEMINO!!!#LFC
— Ian Mc (@McGlynnimino) December 29, 2018
No #LFC penalties at Anfield in an age and then three in the space of a few days. All scored.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) December 29, 2018
Gini Wijnaldum’s star display deservedly received plenty of focus…
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/1079091165394284545
Gini Wijnaldum subbed off. What an absolutely mega performance that was. pic.twitter.com/QSzzr2U95e
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) December 29, 2018
“What a lovely display today by wijnaldum. Untouchable. Dutch scouse. Full energy.”
– indianscouser on the forums.
Wijnaldum exits. A fine midfield performance.
— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) December 29, 2018
Gini. MOM. #LFC
— Graeme Kelly (@GraemeKelly1) December 29, 2018
“Fantastic performance from Gini.”
– big noyd on the forums.
Magnificent performance from Wijnaldum today. Absolutely bossing the midfield.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) December 29, 2018
Assessments were given after the final whistle, on yet another unforgettable night…
Very good performance once again after being caught out early on in the game. Real team performance led by Van Dijk at the back with Gini outstanding in midfield. Salah and Mane were superb but MOM goes to Firmino for his 3 goals and all round excellent performance #lfc ???
— Peter Phill19s ? (@PeterPhillips_) December 29, 2018
#LFC are unbeaten in the opening 20 league games of a season for only the third time in their history and for the first time in 30 years.
They’ve also taken 88 points from 37 league games in 2018 – their best ever points-per-game ratio in a calendar year.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) December 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/LFCStanleyHouse/status/1079090948611719168
Pretty good at this football stuff aren’t we
— Ste Davies (@StevenD1977) December 29, 2018
“Incredible. We’re just getting better and better with every game.”
– Paul Hemnell on Facebook.
The confidence is oozing out of every member of this Liverpool squad. Confidence without arrogance, they know how hard they have to work to keep this good run going and they are all putting everything they have into it.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) December 29, 2018
Liverpool have reached 54 points tonight.
They got 52 in total in 2011/12.
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 29, 2018
Fewest goals conceded per game in Europe's top 5 leagues:
0.40 Liverpool
0.58 Juventus
0.59 PSG
0.71 Atl. Madrid
0.74 Inter
0.76 Montpellier, Getafe
0.79 Man City
0.82 Valencia
0.84 Chelsea
0.89 Napoli— Mr. Numbers (@Mister_Numbers) December 29, 2018
“Well, December went pleasingly well, didn’t it?”
– RodM on the forums.
And now you're gonna believe us…………
— Ian Ryan (@Ian1892T) December 29, 2018
It’s very very joyful to be a red at the minute, it really is, Absolutely superb stuff again, Up The Reds ?
— FarleyTV (@DFImpressionist) December 29, 2018
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