Gary Neville slams 'absolutely embarrassing' Arsenal star during Liverpool win

Manchester United legend Gary Neville (Picture: NBC Sports)

Gary Neville accused Gabriel of ‘letting himself down’ with ‘absolutely embarrassing’ play-acting during Arsenal’s Premier League win over Liverpool.

The Brazilian defender went down holding his face following a collision with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak in the opening few minutes at Anfield.

Gabriel wanted referee Andy Madley to penalise Isak, suggesting his opponent had struck him in the face, but replays appeared to show Isak’s arm struck his upper chest.

‘He does let himself down at times,’ Manchester United legend and ex-England defender Neville said on Sky Sports commentary.

‘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.’

Kai Havertz scored the first and only goal of the game on 16 minutes to send reigning champions Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal defender Gabriel in action against Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Kai Havertz scored the only goal at Anfield (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta’s side trailed early pace-setters Manchester City just two weeks ago but the Etihad club have suffered two successive defeats while Arsenal’s only dropped points came at the hands of Brighton.

Liverpool had the chance to climb back into the Champions League spots and move to within just three points of Arsenal but a second league defeat of the season leaves the Reds fifth.

Speaking after the full-time whistle was blown, Neville added: ‘It was a defensive masterclass from Arsenal.