It was the performance of the weekend and arguably the season in the Premier League as Liverpool stunned Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield.

Winger Raheem Sterling was the star of the show with a breathtaking display of pace and invention on the counterattack and two goals that summed up his maturity on the field in recent months.

Goal’s Alec Fenn said: “The teenager has blossomed under Brendan Rodgers this season after a disappointing end to his maiden Premier League campaign last term.

“His explosive pace was a persistent threat at Anfield throughout the 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon, just as it had been in the 4-0 win over Everton 11 days previously.

“Two goals summed up his growing end product in recent months and should his performances continue in a similar vein between now and the end of the season, he will be a certainty to be on the England plane to World Cup 2014.”

The Shortlist

Lionel Messi – Barcelona Goal’s Claas Philipp: “His two goals in Barcelona’s 4-1 win at Sevilla will be a big weight off his shoulders.”
Robert Lewandowski – Dortmund  @Bundesliga_en: “The striker’s top of the Bundesliga scoring charts after his two goals.” Goal’s Chris Myson: “He’s on his way to Bayern in the summer, but he keeps on scoring goals for BVB.”
Luka Modric – Real Madrid @A10Amer: “WOW. He’s the best midfielder by far. Fave player, Modric. #skills.” Goal’s Miles Chambers: “Orchestrated proceedings from midfield in the 4-2 win over Villarreal.”
Martin Skrtel – Liverpool @baroud18: “What did Liverpool feed him today? #skrtel.” Goal’s Alec Fenn: “The centre-back scored two goals in the 5-1 win over Arsenal.”