Liverpool v Arsenal: Roberto Firmino brace cancelled out by Arsenal in stunning first 25 minutes

LIVERPOOL and Arsenal engaged in a thrilling battle in the Premier League this morning and the goals came in thick and fast.

Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (C) scores his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, north-west England on January 13, 2016. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 75 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.

A day after Manchester United’s pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, the EPL delivered again, with Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal providing four goals in a breathless opening 25 minutes.

Roberto Firmino looked to be writing the headlines with an impressive quickfire brace, the second a world class effort.

But it was cancelled out by an Aaron Ramsey strike and a Simon Mignolet howler as the Reds conceded from a corner.

Firmino got Liverpool off to the perfect start after he followed up Emre Can’s powerful shot, slotting home after Petr Cech parried it in his direction in the 10th minute.

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool score late in six goal thriller

Arsenal took only four minutes to hit back after Aaron Ramsey ran in behind Liverpool’s defence and received a brilliant reverse ball from Joel Campbell that he hit home past Mignolet at the near post.

Liverpool was not to be outdone as Firmino struck his second goal, curling a sensational right-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the box in the 19th minute.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (L) celebrates a goal with Jordan Henderson and Jordon Ibe.

But once again the lead would not last long. An Arsenal corner in the 25th minute beat every player except for Olivier Giroud who got a crucial touch to force a fumble from Mignolet and resultant goal for Arsenal.

During the Fox Sports half time show, commentator Mark Bosnich said, “Liverpool look horrendous defending set plays.”

“They [Liverpool] go through periods where every set piece they look like conceding,” added Robbie Slater.

“There’s a certain level of nervousness.”

“The goalkeeper doesn’t inspire great confidence.”

With four goals within 25 minutes, viewers were finally able to draw breath as things settled for the duration of an entertaining second-half.

Roberto Firmino (L) of Liverpool celebrates.

Originally published as Liverpool v Arsenal: Roberto Firmino brace cancelled out by Arsenal in stunning first 25 minutes