Gary Neville clashed with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports after his colleague made a comparison about a Liverpool hero.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed on Super Sunday (Image: Sky Sports)
Gary Neville accused Jamie Carragher of showing disrespect towards Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino while drawing a comparison with Arsenal's Kai Havertz. Havertz has become Mikel Arteta's preferred forward for the 2026/27 season, with the German starting ahead of Viktor Gyokeres thus far.
The adaptable attacker, who moved to the Gunners from Chelsea for £65million in 2023, found the net in the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City and the 3-0 win against Coventry on the opening weekend. The 27-year-old isn't a prolific scorer, having reached double figures in a Premier League campaign just once, but his overall contribution is greatly appreciated by Arteta.
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He's certain to play a crucial part in Arsenal's title defence after they failed to secure a forward during the final days of the transfer window.
The Gunners were unable to persuade Julian Alvarez to rejoin the Premier League from Atletico Madrid after Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior also rejected their advances.
Neville believes that, while Havertz is a reliable performer for Arsenal, he doesn't possess the star quality they might require. His view, alongside a comparison with Liverpool legend Firmino, sparked controversy during a discussion with Carragher on Sky Sports Super Sunday.
Neville said: "I think having Havertz up front means the centre-backs can afford to edge over to his side a little bit more, because Havertz is a good player, he's a very good performer, but he's not going to frighten the life out of you."
To which Carragher replied: "It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino." But Neville hit back: "No, no, no. Please, don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way."
Carragher then tried to explain: "In terms of goalscoring." Yet Neville continued: "He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mane and Salah, it was essential."
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Gary Neville leapt to the defence of Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino (Image: Getty)
Carragher added: "So why can't Havertz be that kind of player?" Before Neville concluded the debate by saying: "I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way shape or form."
Firmino registered 111 goals and 76 assists across 362 matches during eight seasons at Liverpool, forming an exceptional attacking trio alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Under Jurgen Klopp's stewardship, the Brazilian secured the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
While operating as a No.9, Firmino was renowned for dropping deep, connecting play and generating space for Salah and Mane out wide.
It mirrors Arteta's tactical approach at Arsenal, where Havertz spearheads the attack supported by Christos Tzolis, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Havertz has recorded 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 outings for Arsenal thus far.
Despite Arsenal claiming their first Premier League crown in 22 years last season, he contributed seven goals and five assists across all competitions, with merely two of those coming in the league.
Having made his comeback from a knee injury, the German international is expected to be a pivotal figure for the Gunners as they look to retain their title.