England duo on target as five-star Liverpool thrash Arsenal

Saturday 08 Feb 2014
Sterling scored two of Liverpool's five goals

Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge each scored as Liverpool ran riot against Arsenal at Anfield in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

The England duo both netted in the early exchanges as the home side raced to a 4-0 lead inside 20 minutes.

Martin Skrtel opened the scoring in the first minute when he prodded home a fantastic Steven Gerrard cross from a free-kick - and it was a sign of things to come as Liverpool began the game in devastating fashion.

Daniel Sturridge and Liverpool celebrate

Sturridge celebrates his strike with Liverpool teammates

Another goal for Skrtel and one each for Sterling and Sturridge meant the game was out of sight for Arsenal almost as soon as it started.

Sterling added to his first-half strike seven minutes after the restart, while a Mikel Arteta penalty on 69 minutes briefly gave the visiting fans something to cheer.

However, it was never going to be anything more than a consolation goal for Arsene Wenger's men - who meet Liverpool again in The FA Cup in eight days' time.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, England Under-21 international Tom Ince marked his Crystal Palace debut with a goal as the Eagles ran out 3-1 winners against West Brom.

It was a case of England strikers past and present on the scoresheet for Southampton and Stoke as Rickie Lambert and Peter Crouch both netted in the sides 2-2 draw at St. Mary's.

Tom Ince delighted

England Under-21 international Tom Ince scored on his Crystal Palace debut

Meanwhile, at Stamford Bridge an Eden Hazard hat-trick meant a Chelsea side featuring England's Gary Cahill and Frank Lampard were comfortable 3-0 victors over Newcastle United.

Due to Arsenal's earlier defeat and Manchester City's 0-0 draw at Norwich, Jose Mourinho's men end the day top of the Premier League table.

Outside the top flight there was a brace for England Under-21 international Danny Ings, who scored his 18th and 19th league goals of the season as Burnley beat Millwall 3-1 at Turf Moor.

Sean Dyche's side move into second place and close the gap on leaders Leicester City to eleven points, following their 2-2 draw against Watford.

By Jamie Reid Senior Writer