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.
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.
“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.
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?”
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