Four-tress Emirates

Olivier Giroud scored his 10th goal in as many games as Arsenal outclassed 10-man Liverpool in a 4-1 at the Emirates.

The French striker, who has now scored in six consecutive league games, added to goals from Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Jordan Henderson pulled one back for the visitors, who had Emre Can was sent off.

The Gunners produced one of their best performances of the season to move up into second place while Liverpool, who had been one of the most in-form teams in this calendar year, simply had no answer to their opponent's dominance on the day. Even after the visitors pulled a goal back, Arsenal didn't let it faze them and continued to press to ensure maximum points.

Arsenal, who scored three of their goals in just eight minutes, will need to rely on a slip up from Manchester City against Crystal Palace to remain in second place.

But whatever happens at Selhurst Park, Arsenal must continue to focus on their own game as they continue their push to finish in the runners-up spot while maintaining their very slim chances of the title. Arsenal's home form has been one of the main factors in them moving as high as second, with the Gunners having lost just one of their league matches at the Emirates so far this season.

There were some frustrations in the game as it makes me wonder what might have been had we played like this more often and if we could've been closer to leaders Chelsea. Despite this though my main feeling at the full-time whistle was one of joy as we had put in a quality display and been rewarded by an even better result.

The other big factor is that we are often criticised for being unable to get positive results against the 'big' sides. This season we have taken four points off both Liverpool and champions Manchester City and also beaten Manchester United in the FA Cup. With the visit of Chelsea also looming later this month I really hope we can prove we are capable of beating our fiercest opponents.

Arsenal were very quick out the blocks and attacked right from the first whistle, with both Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey forcing early saves from Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool goal.

For all their dominance, however, the hosts couldn't find an early goal and there were genuine moments when I wondered whether it would actually be our day and if the misses would come back to haunt us.

In fact, there was a heart in the mouth moment when Philippe Coutinho sent Lazar Markovic through on goal. Fortunately for the Gunners Markovic opted not to shoot and instead overhit a pass to Raheem Sterling who slipped in his attempts to get on the end of it. Liverpool were beginning to find their stride and Coutinho and Sterling both sent efforts wide of goal.

Arsenal continued to work tirelessly with and without the ball, with the defence impressing and generally solid for most of the game. Defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin was a huge factor in the hosts' successful defensive display. Yet again he put in a superb performance and he reads the game so intelligently and in the manner of an experienced player, rather than a 23-year-old who was out on loan at a lower league club earlier in the season. I still feel like we need a more experienced player in his position to be added to the squad over the summer but I am also more than happy to see Coquelin making the defensive midfield spot his own for many seasons to come.

The Gunners hard work was finally rewarded when Bellerin opened the scoring after 37 minutes. The Spanish full-back is developing into a great player and looks to have a bright future ahead of him and the way he took his goal was superb. Bellerin ran onto a pass from Ramsey before beating two men and curling a shot into the bottom corner.

Liverpool barely had time to recover as the hosts doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Ozil curled a perfectly executed free-kick beyond Mignolet to remind the watching fans of his talent. Ozil, who has come in for a lot of criticism this season, is beginning to show glimpses of his top class ability and it was certainly on show for his goal.

Arsenal added a third in first-half injury time as Sanchez finished off a fine passing move to fire home from the edge of the area.

Laurent Koscielny was forced off injured within four minutes of the restart for what was the only real negative blot on Arsenal's day. Arsene Wenger later confirmed the French defender had a muscular problem on his thigh, but fortunately it is only a small one.

The hosts were looking for more goals and almost made it four but Mignolet showed great reflexes to push Giroud's header over the bar.

At the other end, Liverpool came close to reducing the deficit through Can but David Ospina parried the midfielder's shot away for a corner.

The visitors eventually got themselves on the scoresheet 14 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty following Bellerin's challenge on Sterling. Bellerin had already been booked and some may have thought he was lucky to stay on the field. Ospina got a hand to Henderson's spot-kick but was unable to stop it from going in.

Although the clock was against Liverpool, the nerves were beginning to creep in. In previous seasons Arsenal have been known to let leads slip but there was no sign of that happening this time as the Gunners continued to get the better of Brendan Rodgers' men. Rather than going defensive to ensure holding the lead, the hosts continued to push forward in search of more goals.

Substitute Danny Welbeck was denied by Mignolet before later being fouled by Can, who was dismissed for his second bookable offence. Santi Cazorla hit a post before Giroud continued his fine scoring run as he curled a wonderful strike into the far corner in added time.

It was a superb result for the Gunners and Wenger's men will be hoping they can continue their fine run of form especially with crucial matches looming like the FA Cup semi-final against Reading and the visit of leaders Chelsea.

It will certainly be another testing few weeks but before we can even begin to think about our trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final we must keep our feet on the ground and remain focused on getting a positive result at Burnley in our next Premier League outing.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS