After hearing news that Tottenham had – once again – submitted their credentials to the Oxford English Dictionary to be listed as the definition of ‘bottlejobs’, Liverpool gave a stunning first-half performance at Anfield to confound visitors Arsenal.
Though the Gunners went in front against the run of play through Ainsley Maitland-Niles after just ten minutes, Liverpool hit back in style, with their attacking triumvirate showing why they should be considered up there with the world’s best.
Liverpool’s fourth goal in the game came after Mohamed Salah was brought down by Sokratis in the box, and it was up the Egyptian to power home from the spot to give the home side a 4-1 lead.
It meant all three of the Liverpool forward line had scored, after an opening Roberto Firmino brace, and a Sadio Mane tuck-away that had been deftly assisted by Salah.
It was he of the shiny teeth Firmino Liverpool fans will be most delighted with, after he scored his first ever hattrick in a Liverpool shirt following the Reds being awarded yet another penalty in the second half.
More impressive however: Roberto Firmino is now the highest scoring Brazilian in Premier League history with 43 goals.
The player he’s overtaken? Why, that would be Philippe Coutinho, who Liverpool sold almost a year ago for a massive £136million.
With the money they received for Coutinho, Liverpool have gone on to buy a multitude of high-profile, classy players – the most notable being goalkeeper Alisson, and world’s most expensive defender Virgil Van Djik – and mounted their strongest title run in years.
Furthermore, Firmino now has eight goals and three assists in his last seven Premier League appearances versus Arsenal. Only the other 'RF' Robbie Fowler has ever scored more (nine) against the Gunners for Liverpool.
Seems like Bobby is well on his way to emulating Robbie.
