Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal underperformed as the Gunners twice spurned a lead to draw 2-2 against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
On his return from injury after three games out with a hamstring problem, captain Saka scored a scintillating ninth-minute opener before Virgil van Dijk swiftly nodded the Reds level.
Mikel Merino headed the hosts back in front two minutes before the break with his first Arsenal goal but Mohamed Salah struck ten minutes from time as the second-placed visitors stayed four points above their opponents.
“I taught Bukayo that” 😅
Theo Walcott on that finish 🤤 pic.twitter.com/WUISkt5kYQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Arsenal vs Liverpool: Saka reacts
“Credit to Liverpool – they’re a good team but we feel like we didn’t show our best selves for the full 90 minutes,” Saka told Sky Sports after scoring his fourth goal of a season in which he has also provided seven assists.
“In the first half, we showed our qualities; we dominated, we gave them nothing. They scored from a set piece and I can’t remember them having another chance.
“In the second half, we sat back a bit and weren’t at our best. I just feel that maybe Liverpool had more momentum, won more duels and kept possession more than us.”
🗣️ “We were the better team”
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal deserved to win the game against Liverpool pic.twitter.com/GPX66DfI4Y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2024
Saliba ‘big player’
Arsenal’s win percentage is significantly lower without William Saliba and they had to cope without the centre-back because of his red card in their 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth eight days earlier.
Gabriel was also forced off injured during the second half against Liverpool, his side finishing with a makeshift back four comprising Thomas Partey at right-back, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White in the middle and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left.
“He’s a big player for us but that’s not an excuse,” Saka said of Gabriel’s departure. “We have to adapt, we have to do our best – whoever’s on the pitch.
“I hate missing games; it was really frustrating to be on the side watching. I had in my mind that I would do everything to be back for this game and I was happy to be out there. I’m feeling good.”
Saka goals landmark
Saka’s goal made the 23-year-old England international the youngest Arsenal player ever to have scored 50 times in the top flight.
He has been directly involved in at least one goal in all but one of his league appearances this season. Arsenal’s next league game is at Newcastle on Saturday (12.30pm GMT).
