Saka regrets that Arsenal did not show their best side in the match against Liverpool

On target: Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka, pictured, scores the Gunners' first goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool (Adrian Dennis). — On target: Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka, pictured, scores the Gunners’ first goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool (Adrian Dennis).

Bukayo Saka lamented Arsenal’s failure to perform at their “best” after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Premier League title rivals Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

England winger Saka needed just nine minutes to open the scoring after suffering a hamstring injury, but Virgil van Dijk equalized for Liverpool.

However, Arsenal regained the lead late in the first half through Mikel Merino, but Mohamed Salah saved the visitors from a draw nine minutes from time.

The result left Arsenal, who were last crowned English champions 20 years ago, third in the table but five points behind leaders Manchester City and four behind Liverpool after nine games.

Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the first half but were unable to translate that dominance into further goals.

“We are disappointed,” Saka said. “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 cost us in the end.”

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

He was eventually fit to play and marked his return with his 50th Premier League goal.

“Hopefully this will also push us towards winning 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 couldn’t wait to get back. I was thinking about this game to come back to and 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.

But Gunners boss Arteta could now call up William Saliba again after the centre-back served a one-match ban following his red card in the defeat to Bournemouth.

Arsenal take on Preston in the League Cup on Wednesday before traveling to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

JDG/BSP