Neville accuses Carragher of disrespecting Firmino in Havertz comparison debate

Gary Neville accused Jamie Carragher of disrespecting Roberto Firmino during a live on-air debate about whether Arsenal striker Kai Havertz can replicate the Brazilian’s impact at Liverpool, with Neville firmly rejecting the comparison.

The exchange was sparked by a discussion about Havertz’s role in Mikel Arteta’s plans for the 2026/27 season. The German forward, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023, has started the campaign as first choice ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, scoring in both the Community Shield win over Manchester City and the 3-0 opening-weekend victory over Coventry.

Neville argued that, despite being a reliable performer, Havertz does not carry the kind of threat that unsettles opposition defences. “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,” Neville said.

Carragher pushed back by pointing out that Firmino’s lack of prolific goalscoring did not prevent Mohamed Salah from thriving at Liverpool. Neville’s response was immediate: “No, no, no. Please, don’t disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way.”

When Carragher clarified he was referring specifically to goalscoring, Neville doubled down. “He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mane and Salah, it was essential,” he said, before adding: “I don’t think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way shape or form.”

Firmino recorded 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 appearances across eight seasons at Liverpool, forming one of the Premier League era’s most celebrated front threes alongside Sadio Mane and Salah. Under Jürgen Klopp, he won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Though nominally a centre-forward, Firmino was renowned for dropping deep, linking play, and creating space for the wide forwards — a role Arteta has sought to replicate with Havertz.

Havertz has contributed 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 Arsenal appearances to date. Last season, as Arsenal claimed their first league title in 22 years, he managed seven goals and five assists across all competitions. The 27-year-old has reached double figures in Premier League goals only once in his career, a record that underpins Neville’s scepticism about his ability to drive a genuine title challenge.