Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool: 7 things we learned as the Gunners ran riot

English Premier League Match Review

Stunned, dazed and comatose, these three words might describe the situation of the Liverpool players at the final whistle. Coming into this match on the back of just 1 defeat in last 14, Liverpool were hoping for some respect from their hopes. However, what they got in return was shear use of force, as Arsenal epitomized the concept of destruction against their guests betraying all the principles of a good host.

Here are 7 things that we learned from this fixture: –

Arsenal are officially competing for the title

Coming into this match and expressing his opinion on the title race, Wenger opted that his team has what it takes to be Champions this season. While many of us would have ridiculed the notion of the Frenchman, these 90 minutes of football should be enough to silence the haters. With 7 games to go and a fixture against the Manchester side looming, Arsenal can – atleast – finish in the 2nd place if they can continue this blistering form

Brendan Rodgers got it all wrong – twice in a matter of 3 weeks

When Liverpool were bamboozled by Manchester United a fortnight ago, many would have thought that this would be a learning curve for a young manager. However, as his team performed today at the Emirates, it became clear that Rodgers is not only young – but also naïve when it comes to tactics. Not playing Sturridge from the front was a mistake from which Liverpool might have recovered, playing Jordan Henderson out of position was a crime and Liverpool were punished.

And unlike his early season failures where Liverpool had late season form to look forward to, the Reds currently are under scrutiny and might finish the day on 7th spot should results go against them.

Today was the best Arsenal performance of the season

While this season has seen many lows for Arsenal – from that defeat by Manchester United to eradication from the Champions League against FC Monaco, today was certainly the peak point of this campaign for the Gunners. Coming against a side that has conceded just 7 goals in last 3 months combined, Arsenal put 4 bar them – just to cement their authority in the Premiership.

Thus, with 7 games remaining and all to play for, the Gunners have everything what it takes to add ingredients to their trophy cabinet.

Race for top 4 is UNOFFICIALLY over for Liverpool

While that defeat by Manchester United might have left them wondering, today’s debacle has forced the back of Liverpool against the wall. With 7 games to go and a 5 point difference between them and Manchester United lingering, the Reds are facing a war against history, time and most-importantly their bitter rivals Manchester United if they’re to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

However, no matter how difficult the fixture list is for Manchester United, the Reds have handed the key for Champions League to their rivals – 7 weeks ahead of schedule.

Simon Mignolet – the only positive for the Reds

While Liverpool fans might have come into this game with a query look at Raheem Sterling, Simon Mignolet was the center point of attention – as far as the Reds were concerned. Thus, while it is hard to praise a goal-keeper when he’s just conceded 4 goals, it was down to simply the Belgian that the flood-gates were opened at the Emirates.

Kolo Toure was pitiable throughout the 90 minutes

For a player who has multiple Premier League titles in his cabinet and has played for the clubs with the caliber of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in his career, Kolo Toure is fastly becoming a study in ‘’how to self-destroy your reputation’’.

While he can be ridiculed for the errors he has committed today, Brendan Rodgers should be questioned in the first place about his decision to replace Skrtel with Toure. While the former cost Liverpool a match last weekend, the latter might have caused them a whole season, for that matter.

Raheem Sterling caused nuisance among-st Arsenal defenders

Talking into this match and putting light on him being played out of position, Raheem Sterling got what he demanded from his manager today. Being put in the striker role along with Coutinho and Markovic as his cronies, the English National epitomized his claim that he was used wrongfully at the wing back position.

While that penalty earning moment would be described as his best moment in the match, Sterling created more chances in the 2nd half than Coutinho and Sturridge combined. Thus, while he seemed naïve to get his contractual situation in public, Sterling is in no mood to let his off-field theatrics effect his game on the field.

Full time: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool

Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool: 7 things we learned as the Gunners ran riot