Liverpool (England), Dec 30 (IANS): Liverpool conceded an early goal to Arsenal before rebounding to dispatch the Gunners 5-1 and go nine points clear at the top of the English Premier League (EPL).

Liverpool, who last won the English top-flight in 1990, are unbeaten after 20 matches with 54 points, nine ahead of second placed Tottenham, reports Efe.

Roberto Firmino, who had yet to score at Anfield this season, produced a hat trick to power Liverpool to a ninth straight EPL triumph here on Saturday.

With 38 points, Arsenal remain secure in fifth place for the moment despite losing their fourth match in a row.

The visitors were first to strike, as Alex Iwobi found Ainsley Maitland-Niles open at the far post and the 21-year-old midfielder connected to make it 1-0 for Arsenal in the 11th minute.

Liverpool were not slow to respond.

Firmino broke his home scoring drought in the 14th minute and added a second goal just two minutes later.

The third Liverpool goal came in the 32nd minute courtesy Sadio Mane, with an assist from Mo Salah, who went on to convert a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 4-1 for the hosts.

Another penalty, in the 65th minute, set the stage for Firmino to complete the triple.