Roy Keane has questioned Arsenal’s mentality and fears their cautious approach will cost them in the race for the Premier League title.
The Gunners looked on course for a vital three points after Mikel Merino’s first goal for his new club put them back in front shortly before half time.
Bukayo Saka returning from injury had earlier put his side ahead, only for his sensational individual goal to be cancelled out by Virgil van Dijk’s close range header.
With an already depleted side further hindered by injuries to Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber during the second period, the home side retreated into their shells late on and were punished with nine minutes remaining when Mohamed Salah finished a fine counter attacking move.
It is not the first time Arsenal have let leads slip this season with a refusal to go for the jugular costing them against the likes of Brighton and Manchester City.
‘I got the impression he was disappointed,’ said Keane reflecting on Saka’s downbeat post match interview.’At 2-1 up, you’re Arsenal at home and I’m starting to worry about this Arsenal mentality.
‘You’re 2-1 up and I’m looking go on and win that game. There’s evidence of Arsenal now, and it’s happened most of the season, when they get themselves in front.
‘Don’t worry about excuses and going down to 10 men. They sit back in and are almost settling for 2-1 or think they may get a set piece instead of going for it.
;Liverpool were there for the taking if they wanted to go for it. It’s almost hoping you can win 2-1 but when you’re up against good players like Salah then they are good enough to punish you.’
Saka, meanwhile, appeared dejected after the game and reflected on Arsenal’s failure to maintain their lead.
‘Disappointed, credit to Liverpool,’ said the stand-in Arsenal skipper.’We feel like we didn’t play the full 90 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.’
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