Bukayo Saka knows Arsenal failed to capitalize on their lead against Liverpool

Bukayo Saka said Arsenal failed to show their best in what he described as a disappointing 2-2 draw against Premier League title rivals Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The England winger marked his return from a hamstring injury with a ninth-minute opener but was canceled out by Virgil van Dijk’s header.

Mikel Merino restored Arsenal’s lead with two minutes of the opening period remaining, putting the Gunners on course for a crucial win in their quest to end their twenty-year league title drought.

However, Mohamed Salah rescued a draw for Liverpool in the 81st minute, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side five points behind Manchester City and Liverpool on four after nine games.

Arsenal dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on their lead after the break and Saka admitted: “We are disappointed.

“I feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 90 minutes. We think we should have won that.

“Certainly, there are definitely some positives. Liverpool are a top team and that is a credit to them. But the general feeling is that we didn’t show our best selves throughout the game, especially in the second half, and that cost us in the end.”

Saka was a major doubt heading into Sunday’s match after missing Arsenal’s previous two matches due to the hamstring injury he suffered on international duty.

However, Saka was able to start and his first-half strike marked his 50th in the Premier League for Arsenal.

“Hopefully that can push us towards some silverware too,” added Saka, who became the youngest player to reach the milestone for the Gunners at 23 years and 52 days.

“I hate missing games so I wanted to be back. “I had this game in mind to come back for and I felt good there and I was happy to get an early goal.”

Arsenal ended the match with a makeshift and untested back four after Gabriel was forced off with a knee injury, while Jurrien Timber was also unable to complete the match.

Timber made his own comeback after missing Arsenal’s previous three games with a muscle injury.

“We have done everything we can to speed up that process,” Arteta said when asked whether he was taking a risk on the Dutchman’s availability.

“He was so willing. The team and medical staff did a great job. We gave ourselves the opportunity to compete. I don’t know the extent of the injury, if there is one, and the same goes for Gabriel.

‘Gabi couldn’t run. I don’t know what happened, and I don’t know if it’s the knee joint or the ankle. They’re assessing him now.

“We had five injuries in the backline. We have to adapt to it and we will continue to adapt. It is the situation we are in.”

Central defender William Saliba will at least be available for Arteta again after serving a one-match suspension following his red card in the defeat at Bournemouth.

Arsenal travel to Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and visit Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.