ARSENAL fans loved the moment Gary Neville was brutally shut down over his criticism of the Gunners on live TV.
Mikel Arteta’s men slipped further behind Liverpool in the title race as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Saturday.
Gary Neville was shut down on live TV
A former Premier League ace did not agree with his verdict about Arsenal’s season
It looks likely that Arsenal will finish in second for the third consecutive season.
And Neville criticised the Londoners for seemingly going backwards this term.
That’s despite putting one foot in the Champions League semis with a stunning 3-0 win over holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
Neville said on NBC Sports: “Arsenal’s league performances have been a big let-down.
“If Manchester City weren’t going to win the league, Arsenal had to be the team that was there waiting. They’re not. They’re not even on Liverpool’s shoulder.
“I think that’s a big disappointment. From where Arsenal have been in the last couple of seasons, you felt they were a team growing in Premier League title races.
“What’s happened this season is that they have gone backwards. From the start of the season, they’ve gone backwards this season in terms of their recruitment.
“They never covered themselves for the likely injury to Havertz, who was their only centre-forward.
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“Odegaard was another big drop-off. They’ve lost Edu off the pitch. I think it’s a let-down.”
However, former Middlesbrough, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday star Robbie Mustoe struck back at Neville.
Arsenal fans were loving Robbie Mustoe’s response to Neville
He defended Arsenal’s lack of title credentials by pointing out they had suffered heavily with injuries to key players.
But Mustoe did agree that Arteta needs to sign a striker if his side are to finally get over the line.
Mustoe said: “I still think they are going to be the second-placed team again for the third season on the trot. I think the injuries to key players at different parts of the season have to be considered.
“I know, in terms of recruitment, it’s accepted that the front line is the last bit and the most important bit to strengthen.
“I find it harder to criticise the team and the way they have played based on the disappointment.
“Liverpool are the only team have had very few injuries. Injuries make a difference. When you’ve got a few injuries, it’s hard to keep up the pace. They do need another striker, but I wouldn’t agree that they’ve regressed.”
Arsenal fans were certainly delighted with Mustoe’s comeback at Neville.
One said: “Mustoe shutting down Neville is the most satisfying thing you will see today.”
Another declared: “This has to be the best thing I’ve seen this Sunday.”
One noted: “Neville said Arsenal would win the league at the start of the season.”
Another added: “How have we regressed when we’re nearly in the CL semis?”
Arsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzle
ARSENAL saw any lingering Premier League title hopes go up in smoke after dropping more points against Brentford.
Mikel Areta made five changes from Tuesday’s stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid for the Gunners’ return to domestic duty.
And, the magnificent Thomas Partey aside, it seemed this Arsenal XI had more than one eye on Wednesday’s return leg in their Champions League quarter-final.
It started out like a pre-season friendly, with Arsenal cautiously trying to avoid any unnecessary injuries ahead of the big trip to the Bernabeu.
And while Brentford chanted “You’ll win f*** all” come May, the away players started flat in their chase for European qualification.
Arsenal thought they took the lead but Kieran Tierney‘s header in the 26th minute was ruled out by the new semi-automated offside rule.
And moments later Brentford captain Christian Norgaard avoided a red card for a rough challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Partey finally found a breakthrough after a lung-bursting counter-attacking run from provider Declan Rice, before Arteta brought on the cavalry.
Yet the subs actually negatively effected Arsenal‘s momentum, and Brentford quickly equalised through Yoane Wissa‘s acrobatic finish.
After just two wins in their last seven league games, Arsenal are now 10 points behind Liverpool, who need a maximum of just three victories to secure the title.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Gunners at the Emirates stadium…
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