Liverpool certainly ramped it up against Arsenal as they ran out 3-1 winners against the Gunners. The win was even more important as the chances of the Reds making it to the Champions League were fading away, especially after that Leicester City defeat on Monday.

The game was virtually won in the first half thanks to the two goals that Liverpool scored. Truth be told, it could have been a lot more, had it not been for some wasteful finishing from Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian did look sharp though and is playing in the same form as he did at the start of the season but the man who did most of the damage, yet again, was Sadio Mane. The former Southampton star was all over Arsenal, like he was in the first game of the season and he did setup the first goal of the game in the ninth minute. Mane ran at Nacho Monreal, who had a tough time all night, and fizzed in a ball across the penalty box.

4 – Sadio Mane has been directly involved in each of Liverpool’s last four Premier League goals at Anfield (3 goals, 1 assist). Influence.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2017

Coutinho tried to flick it in but the ball instead ran to Roberto Firmino, who took a touch and smashed it home to give Liverpool the lead. Mane was then given a great chance to score and he took it up as well.

This time it was Firmino who turned provider as he passed to Mane in the box. The winger took a touch, steadied himself and smashed a low ball across Cech and gave the Reds a two goal lead.

Mane ended the game with 76% passing accuracy, 2 chances created and 3 take ons. (Via Squawka)

A second half where Arsenal grew strong

Arsenal came out a rejuvenated side in the second half and had the better chances. The arrival of Alexis Sanchez gave them more bite in the attack and it was his pass that allowed Danny Welbeck to score.

4 – Sadio Mane has scored and assisted in four Premier League games this season, more than any other player. Talisman.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2017

Even though it was Arsenal that were in the ascendency, Mane was always a threat and was especially strong with the ball at his feet. The winger might not be the biggest and tallest player in the world but he can hold the ball well and often brought other players into the game.

His speed is also his greatest asset and he constantly tore in Monreal. At one point of the game, Mane had slowed down and seemed to be at walking pace and then he just burst past the Spanish defender as if Monreal was just standing still.

The performance certainly was the highlight for the Reds and he duly picked up the man of the match award at the end of the night.

Liverpool will need more performances such as this from Mane if they are to remain in the top four come the end of the season but this is a decent start to the end of the season run.

Mane could be the main man for the Reds and with only Premier League games remaining till the end of the season, the former Saint could very well end up with more than 12 goals and the five assists he has to his name.

Sadio Mane say hi and bye to Nacho Monreal pic.twitter.com/r3RXXJYzTC

— LFCMostar (@LFCMostar) March 4, 2017