The debate erupted during a live Super Sunday segment as the pair discussed Havertz’s role as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice centre-forward for the 2026/27 season. The German has started ahead of Viktor Gyökeres so far, scoring in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and in the opening-weekend 3-0 victory against Coventry.
Havertz, signed from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023, is not a pure goalscorer — he has only once reached double figures in a Premier League season — but Arteta values his link-up play, movement and all-round contribution. With Arsenal unable to land Julian Alvarez or Vinicius Junior in the closing stages of the transfer window, Havertz is central to their title defence.
The flashpoint
Neville argued that Havertz does not sufficiently stretch 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.”
Carragher immediately pushed back by invoking Liverpool’s famous front three:
“It didn’t stop Mo Salah with Firmino.”
Neville responded sharply:
“No, no, no. Please, don’t disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way.”
Carragher clarified he was referring only to goalscoring output. Neville was having none of it:
“He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for Mané and Salah, it was essential… I don’t think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape or form.”
The numbers and the roles
Firmino scored 111 goals and provided 76 assists in 362 appearances across eight seasons at Liverpool. Operating as a false nine under Jürgen Klopp, he dropped deep, linked midfield to attack and created space for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. That partnership delivered the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Havertz has 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 games for Arsenal. Last season, in the campaign that ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait for a Premier League title, he managed seven goals and five assists in all competitions, with only two of those goals coming in the league. Fresh from a knee injury, he is expected to lead the line again this season, supported by Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and new arrivals such as Christos Tzolis.
The comparison is therefore less about pure numbers and more about function. Both players operate as the focal point of a fluid attacking system rather than as traditional No. 9s. Neville’s criticism centres on the belief that Firmino executed that role at a higher level and with greater disruptive effect on opposing centre-backs.
What it means for Arsenal
Arteta continues to trust Havertz’s ability to occupy defenders, press from the front and combine with the creative players around him. Whether that is enough to keep Arsenal at the top of the Premier League remains the central question. Neville clearly believes the Gunners still lack a more dynamic, frightening presence in the middle. Carragher’s counter is that the right supporting cast can elevate a player of Havertz’s profile, just as it did with Firmino.
The exchange was typical of the pair’s long-running on-air rivalry: sharp, personal and rooted in deep knowledge of the game. For Arsenal fans, it simply underlined the scrutiny that will follow Havertz every time he leads the line this season.
