Pressure tells as rivals crumble under weight of Jurgen Klopp’s Red machine

Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the fourth goal from the penalty spot during the match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield

Pressure, pressure, pressure. It can do the strangest of things, Isn’t it?

Look at Manchester City who, having strolled to the title last season, have stumbled alarmingly in recent weeks.

Look at Tottenham Hotspur who, on finally being regarded genuine Premier League challengers, suffered their worst defeat of the season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Both have crumpled, at least for now, under the weight of the pressure being applied by this relentless, unforgiving Liverpool machine built by Jurgen Klopp.

Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal challenged by Fabinho of Liverpool

Now, here at Anfield against a revived Arsenal, the onus was on the Reds, a nine-point lead at the top waiting to be seized.

Klopp, writing in his matchday programme notes, spoke of a time when things wouldn’t go to plan, when the character and belief of his team would be tested.

That came after just 11 minutes when Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck the opener and Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who knows a thing or two about gaining a result against Klopp, was threatening a repeat.

But for all the talk of this season’s Arsenal being made of sterner stuff – they’re the only team to come from behind to take points off Liverpool when drawing 1-1 at the Emirates in November – they simply wilted once again in the face of a Reds onslaught.

Klopp’s side were level within three minutes, ahead two minutes later and out of sight by half-time.

Indeed, Arsenal front man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was so isolated he only completed 10 passes before being given the hook – and six of those were from kick-offs.

The last time Liverpool beat Arsenal 5-1 at home, it sparked a title charge that ultimately faltered once the Reds hit the summit in the closing weeks.

Now, though, it seems going top is making them even stronger.

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