Gary Neville slams Arsenal defender Gabriel for ’embarrassing’ play-acting at Anfield

Gary Neville strongly criticised Arsenal defender Gabriel for his “play-acting” during Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield, according to GOAL.​

The controversy occurred in the opening minutes following a collision with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak. Gabriel went down clutching his face, but replays showed contact was made only with his upper chest.​

Delivering his assessment on Sky Sports, Neville said:​ “He does let himself down at times. I love his fire, his passion and his tenacity. But there’s a push into his upper chest and he goes down holding his face.”​

“It’s absolutely embarrassing. He needs to stop doing that.”​ Despite the early incident, Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute to move Mikel Arteta’s side three points clear at the top of the table.

Neville commended Arsenal’s defensive display after the final whistle, adding: ​”It was a defensive masterclass from Arsenal. Andoni Iraola will be upset, he will feel like his team have given everything, but they put themselves right in the driving seat.”