Neville singles out 'embarrassing' Arsenal star minutes into Liverpool clash

Gary Neville slammed Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes as "embarrassing" after an altercation with a Liverpool star.

It did not take long for the challenges to fly in between the Gunners and the Reds. In the early knockings, Gabriel and Alexander Isak clashed while battling for a loose ball.

The Premier League's most expensive player made slight contact with Gabriel's head during their coming together. Once he sensed the contact, the Arsenal defender fell to the floor clutching his face.

Neville was left furious with the Brazilian international's behaviour. The former Manchester United captain said: "Gabriel does let himself down at times.

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"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."

Gabriel came out of the challenge without an injury and quickly got himself back into the game. Mikel Arteta deployed him in the middle of a colossal back-line which also included Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa and Jurrien Timber.

He has been a constant presence at the Gunners under Arteta. Despite William Saliba still being injured, he and summer arrival Konsa have formed a rock solid partnership at the Emirates Stadium.

Before the match, Gabriel made it clear he was expecting a chaotic and physical match. 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 came into the contest at Anfield with the perfect opportunity to leapfrog Manchester City at the top of the table. Enzo Maresca's side were beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton and Hove Albion the day before.

It was a hugely damaging result for the Cityzens, who were also beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa the previous weekend.