The Gunners conceded after just 52 seconds and were 4-0 down inside 20 minutes after two goals from defender Martin Skrtel and one apiece from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge.
Sterling added his second just after half-time and Mikel Arteta's later penalty was no consolation for the side who began the weekend as Barclays Premier League leaders.
Despondent: Arsenal's Jack Wilshere returned from injury but was helpless as Liverpool shot to a 4-0 lead
Outraged: Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny
reacted agrily on Facebook after picking the ball out of the back of the
net five times in the rout against Liverpool
'That was f***ing embarrassing,' wrote Szczesny - who also conceded six at Manchester City in December - on his official Facebook page.
'Apologies to anyone who sat through 90mins of that game.'
Manager Arsene Wenger was less blunt but just as forthright on his side's performance, and he knows there needs to be a big improvement for Wednesday's match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
'What is important is that we respond to that result, especially respond with a different performance because our performance overall was poor,' Wenger said.
Shot away: Martin Skrtel scored in the first minute and the Gunners were on the back foot from then on
Slow motion: Raheem Sterling slots past Szczesny for his second and Liverpool fifth
'On the concentration level, on pace, on defensive stability, it was very poor and we always looked vulnerable.
'If you concede two early goals from set-pieces then you are in a position where you always have to come out.
'I just think the whole team have failed to turn up with the right performance. We know that you need to be better focused at this kind of level.
'Poor' and 'naive': Arsene Wenger's appraisal of his team's performance pulled no punches
'Overall our performance was just not good enough and I include myself in that performance.
'For me it is maybe better I don't talk too much, go home and respond better on Wednesday night.
'Congratulations to Liverpool. They were the best team today and we were very poor - only our fans were good for 90 minutes.'
Striker Olivier Giroud was similarly unshy about making his feelings known to the public and even described his own performance as 'really poor' as they now look forward to their clash against Manchester United on Wednesday.
Striker Lukas Podolski, who came on as a substitute for Giroud after 60 minutes, and Per Mertesacker were also contrite and looking forward to their now even more important United clash.
Wenger's opposite number Brendan Rodgers was understandably thrilled by a performance that saw the Anfield side close to within five points of the Gunners, however he refused to accept the result put his troops back in the title hunt.
'It was an incredible performance,' he said.
'It's not the first time we've been outstanding at home, but everything about us today was incredible. Everything was outstanding.
Thumbs up: There was plenty for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to approve of at Anfield on Saturday
Different strokes: Daniel Sturridge does a celebratory dance as Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny fumes
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