Premier League leaders Liverpool roared back from going a goal down to batter Arsenal 5-1, stretching their advantage to nine points over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles slid in for the shock 11th-minute opener for the visitors to Anfield. But this only sparked a brutal reaction from the Reds.

Roberto Firmino claimed a hat-trick, Sadio Mane tapped home and Mohamed Salah rocketed in a penalty.

Here are the Liverpool player ratings:

LIVERPOOL 4-2-3-1

Alisson 7 – Produced a pass only bettered in beauty by his looks in the lead up to Liverpool’s fourth. Saved well when required and completely at ease in possession.

Virgil van Dijk 7 – For such a giant of a man, it’s the small moments in which he is so crucial. His ability to cut out danger before it builds is absolutely pivotal.

Dejan Lovren 6 – Sloppy at times but strong in on other occasions. A typical Lovren performance in that regard but he partnered well with Van Dijk to silence Aubameyang.

Andrew Robertson 7 – A weirdly up and down performance from Liverpool’s Mr Consistent. Well out of position for Arsenal’s opener, a stunning pass in the lead up to his side’s third.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7 – Calm and composed. He had a bit of a wobbled a few weeks ago but has very much returned to his assured best.

Fabinho 7 – A couple of times he erred with simple passes in the early goings but regained his sense of control to dominate in midfield thereafter.

Georginio Wijnaldum 8 – The Dutchman has been a delight all season and this performance hallmarked everything he does. On both sides of the ball was excellent.

Roberto Firmino 9 – Made Arsenal defence look like complete amateurs. Two gifts for his first and third but in between that was an absurd goal of skill and poise.

Xherdan Shaqiri 6 – Is the man for the big occasion but this wasn’t one of his best displays in Red. Still hammered himself into the ground for his side’s cause, though.

Sadio Mane 7 – Was an intrinsic element of Liverpool’s free-flowing attacking football. Took his goal well and deserved his applause when substituted.

Mohamed Salah 8 – The Egyptian is hotting up thanks to his cool traits returning. Presence of mind to peel away before directing into Mane’s path for the third was class.

SUBSTITUTES 

Jordan Henderson 6 – Arrived with a third of the game left but the match already sown up. Fortified their midfield to ensure they didn’t concede again.

Adam Lallana N/A – Not enough time to impress

Nathaniel Clyne N/A – Given a rare cameo.