- Firmino scores hat-trick in Liverpool 5-1 thumping of Arsenal at Anfield
- Ainsley Maitland-Niles was the scorer for Arsenal in the thrilling contest
- Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah also scored a goal each in the match
Liverpool consolidated their Premier League ambition with a convincing 5-1 thrashing over Arsenal at Anfield.
It was the visitors that got the early shout out of nowhere as Ainsley Maitland-Niles was on hand to tap-in an Alex Iwobi's cross in the 11th minute to make it 1-0.
The lead did not last long as three minutes later a lose ball between Arsenal defenders fell kindly to Roberto Frimino who slotted home the equalizer. It became 1-1 on the night.
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The Brazilian put the Reds in the lead for the first time in the match in the 16th minute as he dribbled past three Gunners defenders to score a beautiful solo effort to make it 2-1.
Sadio Mane made it 3-1 in the 32nd minute as he was on hand to blast home a Mohamed Salah's fine assist.
Then it was the turn of Salah to register his name on the score sheet as he was awarded what looked like a soft penalty and as he made it 4-1 right on the stroke of half time.
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The second half did not produce much goals as another spot-kick was awarded to Jurgen Klopp's side with Firmino completing his hat-trick in the 65th minute to wrap the scores at 5-1.
It is now certain that Liverpool will finish the year in first position on the Premier League table as they maintain their nine points gap over Tottenham who are still in second despite losing 3-1 to Wolves at Wembley.
Unai Emery's side were completely outclassed and have given Manchester United the opportunity to reduce the gap to three if they defeat Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
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The Gunners remain in fifth position with 38 points, 16 points behind Liverpool and seven behind second placed Spurs.
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