Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed on Sky Sports Super Sunday ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash with Chelsea
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville speak
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were at odds with each other(Image: Catherine Ivill, Getty Images)
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Gary Neville accused Jamie Carragher of showing disrespect toward Roberto Firmino, as he compared the Liverpool legend to Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta has leaned on the German forward this season, selecting him ahead of Viktor Gyokeres in the Premier League.
The versatile 27-year-old arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2023 as a result of a £65million deal with Chelsea, and has truly lived up to that price tag. Havertz found the back of the net in this summer's Community Shield final between the Gunners and Manchester City, as well as their opening night 3-0 win over Coventry City.
While the German international is not a prolific finisher, Arteta is understood to appreciate his wider contribution to the team. Following an inability to persuade Julian Alvarez to make the move to North London this summer, meanwhile, Havertz is expected to play a major part in Arsenal's title defence.
Neville believes that while Havertz is a reliable performer for Arsenal, he may not possess the star quality they require. His assessment, alongside a parallel 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."
Carragher replied: "It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino," before Neville added: "No, no, no. Please, don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way."
When Carragher said: "In terms of goalscoring," Neville quipped back: "He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for [Sadio] Mane and Salah, it was essential."
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As Carragher asked why Havertz can't be that type of player, Neville added: "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 appearances during eight years at Liverpool, forming a devastating attacking trio alongside Mane and 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, orchestrating play and creating 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.
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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 only two of those strikes arriving in the league.
However, having recovered from a knee injury, the Germany international is set to fulfil a crucial role for the Gunners as they look to retain their title.