Bukayo Saka has said Arsenal didn’t show their ‘best selves’ in the second half of the club’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Arsenal twice led in the contest but were unable to hold on for the win in North London, a result that leaves the Gunners five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Saka scored inside nine minutes to open the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s side, as the winger checked inside Andy Robertson with a nutmeg and blasted a finish high into the near post.
Liverpool levelled from a set piece when Virgil van Dijk steered in from Luis Diaz’s near-post flick, but Arsenal were back ahead before half-time. Declan Rice’s dangerous delivery was met by Mikel Merino, who powered in his first Arsenal goal.
Arsenal struggled to maintain their level after the break, however, as Liverpool grew into the game. A deserved equaliser arrived on 81 minutes as Mohamed Salah turned in from Darwin Nunez’s centre to rescue the Reds a point.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Saka said Arsenal are disappointed with their inability to show their best level across the whole 90 minutes.
“Disappointed, credit to Liverpool. We feel like we didn’t show our best selves for 45 minutes.
“First half we showed our qualities, gave them nothing and they scored from a set piece. I can’t think of another chance they had. Second half we weren’t at our best.
“They had more momentum, won more duels, kept more possession and naturally momentum goes to them and we have to defend.”
