Gary Neville jumps to defence of Liverpool icon in 'disrespect' argument with Jamie Carragher

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed during a live segment on Sky Sports while talking about Arsenal striker Kai Havertz and former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino

Gary Neville accused Jamie Carragher of disrespecting former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino while making a comparison with Arsenal's Kai Havertz.

Havertz has emerged as Mikel Arteta's first-choice forward for the 2026/27 campaign, with the German starting ahead of Viktor Gyokeres so far. The versatile forward, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £65million in 2023, scored in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and the 3-0 victory over Coventry on the opening weekend.

The 27-year-old is not a prolific goalscorer, having only once reached double figures in a Premier League season, but his all-round game is highly valued by Arteta. He is sure to have a key role in Arsenal's title defence after they failed to sign a forward in the closing stages of the transfer window.

The Gunners failed to convince Julian Alvarez to return to the Premier League from Atletico Madrid after Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior also turned them down.

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Neville feels that, while Havertz is a proven performer for Arsenal, he lacks the star power that they may need. And his opinion, plus a comparison with Liverpool great Firmino, caused a stir in a debate with Carragher on Sky Sports Super Sunday.

Neville: "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: "It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino."

Neville: "No, no, no. Please, don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way."

Carragher: "In terms of goalscoring."

Neville: "He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mane and Salah, it was essential."

Carragher: "So why can't Havertz be that kind of player?"

Neville: "I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way shape or form."

Firmino returned 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 games over eight years for Liverpool and formed a sensational front line with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Under Jurgen Klopp's management, the Brazilian won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

While he played as a No.9, Firmino was known to drop deep, link up play and create space Salah and Mane on the flanks. It is a similar game plan to Arteta at Arsenal, where Havertz leads the line ahead of Christos Tzolis, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Havertz has 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 appearances for Arsenal so far. While Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, he managed seven goals and five assists in all competitions, with just two of those strikes coming in the league.

But having returned from a knee injury, the Germany international will play a key role for the Gunners as they attempt to defend their title.

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