Liverpool struck four times in the first 20 minutes, as Arsenal saw their unbeaten run of 10 games in all competitions torn to shreds in brutal fashion. PHOTO: REUTERS
Liverpool demonstrated that their Premier League title credentials are alive and kicking with a stunning 5-1 demolition of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had claimed that the best his side could hope for was a top-four finish, but the claim rang hollow after the hosts scored four times in the first 20 minutes against Arsene Wenger’s shell-shocked Arsenal.
The opening goal, after 51 seconds, set the tone for a complete Liverpool domination, as Martin Skrtel scored twice in 10 minutes to spark the rout, with Raheem Sterling claiming a brace and Daniel Sturridge also finding the net before Mikel Arteta replied through a penalty.
The one-sided victory lifted fourth-place Liverpool to within five points of Arsenal, a week before the sides are due to meet again at the Emirates Stadium in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Wenger dumbfounded by ‘naive’ Arsenal
Wenger branded his side ‘naive’ and said that they had conceded goals ‘in slow-motion’.
“It was a very poor day,” said Wenger. “Only the fans were good for 90 minutes. All the rest on our side, we were poor – defensively, offensively – and they (the goals) were all scored in slow-motion.
“Overall, on top of that, we were caught on two set-pieces at the start. But the performance was very poor and Liverpool played very well, so congratulations to them. We have to bounce back from that, and as quickly as possible.
“We were too open. Every acceleration from Liverpool was deadly for us and defensively, from up front to the back, we were not at the level that you are used to.”
Fletcher targets sprint finish from misfiring United
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admits it is imperative that his side finish the season strongly as the misfiring champions prepare to host struggling Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United have endured a difficult campaign in the defence of the title they won so convincingly last season under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
But Fletcher has stressed on the importance of amassing as many points as they can between now and May to try to qualify for the Champions League with a top-four finish.
“We need to finish the season on a bit of a run and with confidence,” he said.
“That will help us achieve something this season and also help us at the beginning of next season. We need to lead into the new season on a bit of a high.
“We want to get back to winning ways because there aren’t many games left this season and we have got to finish in the top four.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2014.
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