Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville were involved in a sharp on-air argument after Carragher compared Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz with Roberto Firmino.

Neville strongly dismissed the Havertz-Firmino comparison

The exchange took place on Sky Sports during Super Sunday, when the two pundits were discussing Arsenal and their options in attack. Arsenal have put major faith in Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023, and have regularly started him ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

Reflecting on his contribution after a 3-0 victory over Coventry, Neville questioned whether Havertz has the kind of presence that truly unsettles defenders. He said: "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 stood by his debated point about Arsenal's attack

Carragher quickly pushed back by pointing to the way Firmino's role at Liverpool helped Mohamed Salah flourish, saying: "It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino." That remark prompted an immediate response from Neville, who replied: "No, no, no. Please, don't disrespect Firmino in terms of what a player he was by the way." When Carragher tried to explain that he meant only "In terms of goalscoring," Neville again underlined how highly he rated the Brazilian. He said: "He was unbelievable in the way in which he was a foil for [Sadio] Mane and Salah, it was essential."

The tactical discussion ended with a firm verdict

The debate wrapped up with Carragher asking: "So why can't Havertz be that kind of player?" Neville then gave his clear conclusion, saying: "I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape, or form."

Firmino built an outstanding record at Anfield, producing 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 appearances across eight years with Liverpool. Although he mainly played as a forward who dropped deep to link play, he was a central figure in the side that won major trophies including the Premier League and the Champions League. Havertz, on the other hand, has posted 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 matches for Arsenal, leading a setup around Christos Tzolis, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

What comes next for Arsenal's forward line?

Arsenal face a demanding run of fixtures as they attempt to retain their Premier League title. After not bringing in another attacker before the transfer deadline, the club have shown huge faith in Havertz to spearhead the attack. The Germany international now has to stay fit and keep delivering, while showing he can run Mikel Arteta's frontline as effectively as Firmino once did under Jurgen Klopp.