Jurgen Klopp's team moved nine points clear top of the Premier League, and 10 clear of champions Manchester City, with a demolition of Arsenal at Anfield that saw with Roberto Firmino end a recent barren run with a hat trick.
Although City can reduce the deficit to seven points with a win at Southampton on Sunday, the manner of Liverpool's victory will have hammered out an menacing warning to the chasing pack.
Liverpool, which is still unbeaten in the league this season, face City at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday in a match that is central to the champions' hopes of retaining their title. On current form, though, Liverpool are going to take some stopping.
Unai Emery's team gave their hosts a scare by taking the lead — the first away team to do so at Anfield since last December — when Ainsley Maitland-Niles converted Alex Iwobi's cross at the far post.
However, from that point on, Liverpool's relentless attacking proved too much, with Firmino (2), Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah putting them 4-1 in front by half-time. Firmino completed his treble from the penalty spot on 65 minutes to complete Arsenal's misery.
But while Arsenal were bad, Liverpool were outstanding, and no team could have lived with them on this occasion. If they win at City, a first league title since 1990 will surely be on the cards.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
