Arsenal star slammed for ’embarrassing’ actions by Gary Neville throughout Liverpool conflict
Gary Neville branded Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes ’embarrassing’ after an early confrontation with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak at Anfield
(Image: Sky Sports)
Gary Neville was left furious with an Arsenal star’s actions against Liverpool as he branded him “embarrassing”. In the opening minutes of the clash, Gabriel Magalhaes clashed with Reds attacker Alexander Isak while competing for the ball.
The Premier League’s priciest player made minimal contact with Gabriel’s head during their tussle. Upon feeling the touch, the Arsenal centre-back dropped to the ground clutching his face. Neville was left seething with the Brazilian international’s actions.
The ex-Manchester United skipper commented: “Gabriel does let himself down at times. I love his passion and tenacity. But there’s a push into his upper chest and goes down holding his face. It’s embarrassing. He’s got to stop doing that.”
Gary Neville did not hold back on one Arsenal star(Image: 2026 James Gill – Danehouse)
Gabriel emerged from the incident unscathed and swiftly returned to action. Mikel Arteta positioned him at the heart of a formidable defensive line which also featured Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa and Jurrien Timber, reports the Mirror.
He’s been a mainstay for the Gunners under Arteta. Despite William Saliba remaining sidelined through injury, he and summer signing Konsa have established a solid defensive partnership at the Emirates Stadium.
Prior to kick-off, Gabriel made his intentions crystal clear, anticipating a bruising and frantic encounter. He said: “I think so. We know it’s tough to come here, they have a really good team. It’s tough to play here against them.
“It’s an opportunity to get the three points and we are ready for this. We are ready for this battle today, we know it’s going to be really difficult but we prepared well to come here and win. I expect big chaos in the game. We are ready, it’s a big battle and we are ready.”
Arsenal arrived at Anfield with a golden chance to overtake Manchester City at the summit. Enzo Maresca’s outfit had suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion 24 hours earlier.
The setback proved costly for City, who had also fallen 2-1 to Aston Villa the previous weekend.
