All the talk about the identity of the man between the posts proved academic.

Jurgen Klopp could have handed the gloves to Mighty Red and it wouldn't have made a blind bit of difference.

Loris Karius was a spectator as Liverpool went into the international break on a glorious high after demolishing Arsenal at a sun-kissed Anfield.

The scoreline flattered the woeful Gunners who were outfought and outclassed in every department. But for Petr Cech the embarrassment for Arsene Wenger would have been considerably greater.

Beating one of your main rivals really shouldn't be this easy. The contrast between the two sides was vast.

Liverpool purred from start to finish. This was the slick, cohesive unit Jurgen Klopp has assembled.

The work ethic, the unity, the spirit and the abundance of quality shone through during a swashbuckling display. Arsenal were left to resemble a spineless mess.

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The Reds' front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salash tormented the Gunners throughout. 'Poetry In Motion' echoed around Anfield - a fitting soundtrack when that gifted trio are leading the charge.

Smiling assassin Mane maintained his remarkable start to the campaign with another goal to cherish after the tireless Firmino had nodded the Reds ahead.

Salah killed Arsenal off in the second half before substitute Daniel Sturridge completed the rout.

Defensively, the Reds were rock solid as they made it six clean sheets in their last seven league matches.

Joe Gomez excelled after being handed the chance to shine at right-back, while Dejan Lovren was much improved alongside Joel Matip.

There was also the sight of Alberto Moreno being applauded by all four sides of Anfield. It was that kind of day.

The midfield was a mismatch as Arsenal had no answer to the endeavour and creative spark provided by Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum.

Can was outstanding - delivering arguably the most complete performance of his Liverpool career.

The Reds need to sort out his contract situation as a matter of urgency. Whatever he's asking for, he's worth it. He deserves to be among the club's highest earners.

Can has blossomed under the guidance of Klopp and he's still only 23. Losing him for nothing next summer would be disastrous.

With seven points out of a possible nine and the Reds safely through to the group stage of the Champions League, Klopp will reflect on the opening stages of the season with real satisfaction.

They have handled everything that's been thrown at them this summer – from the Philippe Coutinho saga to the loss of Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne to injury.

Liverpool v Arsenal - Jurgen Klopp press conference in full

Coutinho should conclude that being forced to stick around for another year isn't too much of a bind. This team should compete for silverware and the prospect of him returning to raise the bar still further is mouthwatering.

Having blown Hoffenheim away with a devastating early burst in midweek, Liverpool repeated the trick against the Gunners.

Once again Klopp's men flew out of the traps. They played at a tempo and an intensity that Arsenal simply couldn't live with.

Can, his confidence sky high after that Champions League brace, oozed class as he stamped his authority on proceedings. Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey couldn't get near him.

One minute Can was dropping deep to launch a move with an incisive pass, the next he was bursting into the Arsenal penalty box.

Can's slick one-two with Firmino put one on a plate for Salah early on but Petr Cech spread himself and made the save.

The breakthrough Liverpool deserved arrived on 17 minutes. It was testament to Gomez's desire and technique.

Having won the ball back close to halfway, Gomez charged down the right flank. Can found him and the youngster's left-footed delivery into the box was a beauty. Firmino took full advantage as he nodded home from six yards out.

Liverpool were first to everything as battles were won all over the field. They should have swiftly added to their account.

Henderson picked Mesut Ozil's pocket and was sent clear by Firmino's pass. The skipper dinked it beyond Cech but wide of the post.

The decision to rest Simon Mignolet was a strange one. Keepers don't need a breather in August and the Belgian's form has been decent.

Liverpool v Arsenal - Arsene Wenger press conference in full

All eyes were on Karius, who was making his first Premier League outing for eight months, but he had precious little to do as Arsenal failed to register a single shot on target.

Karius' big strength is supposed to be his ability with the ball at his feet but he flirted with disaster at times.

He felt the wrath of the Kop after delaying his kick and allowing Danny Welbeck to close him down. He got lucky as the ball squirmed away to safety.

Those howls turned to applause when Karius came off his line and convincingly punched away Sanchez's free-kick.

Wijnaldum may have started the season slowly but the Dutchman is now well and truly into his stride.

Anfield roared its approval after he shrugged off Xhaka like he was dealing with an irritating wasp and then produced a pirouette which left Ramsey on his backside.

Salah, who had the beating of Nacho Monreal every time, cut in off the right to force a low save from Cech as Arsenal remained under the cosh.

Liverpool v Arsenal - Player ratings

The Reds finally doubled their account five minutes before the break. It was a blistering counter-attack as Can and Firmino combined to release Mane.

The Senegal international skipped away from Rob Holding and whipped an unstoppable right footer into the far corner. Anfield erupted.

Gomez ensured there was no lifeline for the Gunners with a crucial block to prevent Holding from reducing the deficit.

The second half brought more of the same with Liverpool preying on the visitors' glaring defensive woes.

Salah was thwarted by Cech after robbing Monreal but the club's record signing finally netted just before the hour mark.

It came from an Arsenal corner as Salah got to Matip's headed clearance ahead of Hector Bellerin and raced half the length of Anfield before holding his nerve to slot home.

Wenger threw on Olivier Giroud and Alexandre Lacazette but it remained one-way traffic.

Mane went close before Sturridge, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes, made it 4-0. Salah's cross from the left was inviting and the England striker accepted the gift.

What a week. Liverpool are flying. If Klopp can do the business he wants prior to Thursday's transfer deadline then this season promises to be some ride.

MATCH FACTS

Liverpool: Karius, Gomez, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, Henderson, Can (Grujic 83), Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino (Milner 80), Mane (Sturridge 74).

Not used: Ward, Klavan, Solanke, Alexander-Arnold

Arsenal: Cech, Holding, Koscielny, Monreal, Bellerin, Ramsey (Coquelin 45), Xhaka, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Lacazette 62), Ozil, Welbeck, Sanchez (Giroud 62)

Not used: Ospina, Walcott, Mustafi, Kolasinac.

Referee: Craig Pawson

Attendance: 53,206

Goals: Firmino 17, Mane 40, Salah 57, Sturridge 77.

Bookings: Lovren, Gomez, Welbeck, Xhaka, Ozil, Holding.

Man of the match

Emre Can. Outstanding from start to finish.