4 takeways from Liverpool's dazzling victory at Arsenal

Liverpool visited Arsenal Sunday looking to take advantage of a makeshift Gunners side, and Jurgen Klopp and co. did exactly that, stunning the hosts in a goal-happy 4-3 victory.

With the crux of Arsenal's spine missing out, a promising opening stanza turned into a nightmare for Arsene Wenger's lot.

Arsenal has just one victory in its last seven opening day fixtures and for the first time in seven years, the club have conceded four times at the Emirates.

Related: Coutinho fires Liverpool to thrilling Arsenal win

Here's a look at four takeaways from a fixture that was rife with storylines:

Liverpool's pace and press

Taking advantage of a nimble front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho lining up against a novice Arsenal centre-half pairing of Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, Jurgen Klopp opted to press the Gunners's backline.

Full credit to Klopp, because he's nothing if not consistent, and upon arrival at Anfield last season as Brendan Rodgers replacement, hopes were that he would employ the same Gegenpressing he did at Borussia Dortmund to great success.

Last season, Klopp inherited Rodgers' squad, and after doing little in the January window, the grinning German added Southampton speed merchant Mane this summer, effectively ending Christian Benteke's stagnant and leaden-footed spell with the club.

After ten months at the helm, Klopp's vision is finally starting to take shape, and on Sunday against Arsenal it paid dividends. Mane, Firmino and Coutinho ripped Wenger's backline to shreds, creating pockets that Adam Lallana was able to profit from.

Theo Walcott's career in 69 seconds

Taken down in the area courtesy of a trademark Alberto Moreno moment of ineptitude, Theo Walcott stepped up to the spot and fired it to Simon Mignolet's right, only for the Belgian shot-stopper to parry the effort away.

A collective groan swept across the Emirates as those in attendance wondered why Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey or kitman Vic Akers didn't take the penalty, and as those sighs and sobs sustained, Walcott got Moreno's number again.

It was a deft strike that bested Mignolet and handed Arsenal a 31st-minute advantage, all within 69 seconds. Few spells better reflect how Walcott's career has become an erratic melange of the good and the frustrating.

Things chance quickly in England's top flight. Just ask Liverpool, who was down a goal seconds before the interval only to be up 2-1 moments after the break.

Impressive Reds' debuts

While Rob Holding's first top-flight appearance won't be one for the scrapbook - and to his credit, playing alongside Chambers isn't like being nestled between Maldini and Nesta - Liverpool can boast two stellar debuts from Mane and centre-back Ragnar Klavan.

The 30-year-old Estonian summer signing from Augsburg displayed composure on the ball atypical for a player on his Premier League debut. Couple that with the fact he played alongside Dejan Lovren and ticking time-bomb Moreno and it makes his performance that much more admirable.

Unlike Klavan, Mane does have Premier League experience, but that makes his display no less fascinating. His pace was the kryptonite to Chambers and Holding's tattered cape, and his finish on Liverpool's match-winner was as crafty as it was thunderous.

Southampton at its best

Save for Coutinho's stunning brace, the rest of the goals were courtesy of Southampton's famed talent incubator.

Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers scored for Arsenal, while Lallana and Mane bagged pivotal tallies for Liverpool.

Have to wonder what Saints supporters were thinking watching Sunday's match.