Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Arsenal
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Gary Neville has voiced his confusion over Arsenal’s decision-making in possession after Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
In a tense clash between two of the Premier League’s title contenders, clear-cut chances were scarce, with the game ultimately decided by a moment of brilliance. Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a thunderous free-kick in the 83rd minute to hand Arne Slot’s side a hard-fought victory.
Arsenal entered the contest hampered by injuries, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz unavailable and captain Martin Odegaard only fit enough for the bench. That lack of attacking depth showed, as the Gunners managed just one shot on target across 90 minutes.
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Neville, on commentary duty for Sky Sports, criticised Arsenal’s reluctance to progress the ball forward and suggested their approach stifled their own attacking potential.
“Passing back has become a disease in the game,” he said. “Honestly, if Declan Rice or any of them had it 50 or 60 yards up the pitch, they wouldn’t pass it into Gyökeres’ feet at the edge of the box—but they’ll do it in their own box. It’s incredible! It’s like they’re programmed.”
Arteta, meanwhile, admitted frustration at his side’s failure to capitalise on promising positions but praised the team’s effort in a difficult environment.
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“I am very disappointed with the result. I’m very proud of my players,” he told Sky Sports. “Both teams had to dig in to a level where there was nothing between them. It was going to be decided by an individual error or a moment of magic.
“You cannot dominate here for 90 minutes—it is impossible. At the end I said we have to find a way to win these big matches. You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have the chance. We were much better than last year, but if you want to win the game, you have to score.”
The result leaves Arsenal with their first defeat of the campaign and further questions over their attacking sharpness, with key players sidelined and tougher fixtures looming.
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