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

Bukayo Saka said Arsenal failed to show their best in what he called 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 his first goal in the ninth minute, but it was canceled out by Virgil van Dijk’s header.

Mikel Merino restored Arsenal’s lead with two minutes remaining in the first period, putting the Gunners on course for a crucial win in their bid to end a two-decade league drought.

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

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

“I don’t think we were at our best for 90 minutes. We think we should have won.

“Of course, there are certain positive aspects. Liverpool are the best team and that’s a credit to them. But the overall feeling is that we didn’t perform at our best throughout the game, especially in the second half, and it ended up costing us dearly.”

Saka was a serious doubt ahead of Sunday’s match after missing Arsenal’s previous two matches with a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty.

However, Saka was able to start and his first-half goal was Arsenal’s 50th Premier League goal.

“Hopefully this will also push us towards trophies,” added Saka, who at 23 years and 52 days became the youngest player to reach the milestone for the Gunners.

“I hate missing games, so I really wanted to come back. “I planned to come back for this game, I felt good there and was happy to score an early goal.”

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

Timber himself was returning after missing Arsenal’s three previous matches with a muscle injury.

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

“He was so ready. The team and medical staff did a great job. We gave ourselves a chance to compete. I don’t know the extent of the injury, if any, and the same with Gabriel.

“Gabi couldn’t run. I don’t know what happened and I don’t know if it was the knee joint or the ankle joint. They are evaluating it now.

“We had five injuries in the back line. We need to adapt to this, and we will continue to adapt. This is the situation we are in.”

Centre-back William Saliba will at least be available for Arteta again after serving a one-match ban following his red card in the defeat to Bournemouth.

Arsenal travel to Preston in the League Cup on Wednesday before visiting Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.