‘Don’t disrespect him’ – Gary Neville berates Jamie Carragher for comparing Arsenal star to Roberto Firmino

KAI HAVERTZ was at the centre of a heated row on Sky Sports – before going on to bag a stunning goal in Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea. The striker, 27, played a key role in the Gunners clinching the Premier League title last season. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher clashed while on punditry duties for Sky Sports Credit: SKY SPORTS Kai Havertz was compared to Roberto Firmino Credit: Getty And Havertz cancelled out former Arsenal transfer target Morgan Rogers’ early opener with a long range strike. Before getting his name on the scoresheet, the German was compared to Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! The praise sparked a shock on-air row at the Emirates Stadium with colleague Gary Neville. The Manchester United legend, who has tipped Arsenal to defend their crown, said: “I think having Havertz up front means the centre-backs can afford to edge over to his side a little bit more. “Havertz is a good player, he’s a very good performer, but he’s not going to frighten the life out of you.” Ex-Liverpool defender Carragher replied: “It didn’t stop Mo Salah with Firmino.” Neville, 51, berated his colleague by claiming: “No, no, no. Please, please, please, please don’t disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way.” Carragher, trying to back up his argument, responded: “In terms of goalscoring.” Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS But Neville added: “He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for [Sadio] Mane and Salah, it was essential.” Carragher, 48, then asked: “So why can’t Havertz be that kind of player?” Neville brutally stated: “I don’t think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape or form.” Havertz has been keeping £63.5million man Viktor Gyokeres out of the Arsenal starting line-up in the early stages of the campaign. Roberto Firmino notched 82 Premier League goals Credit: Reuters Neville reckons the Liverpool icon should not be likened to Havertz Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And he was also on target during the Gunners’ season-opening win over newly-promoted Coventry last month. Havertz has now scored 45 Premier League goals in 166 outings, while Firmino was on target 82 times in 256 appearances. Comment now