Gary Neville branded Gabriel's reaction to a collision with Alexander Isak "absolutely embarrassing" during Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League win at Liverpool on Sunday, according to Metro and the Daily Star.

Neville's criticism

The flashpoint arrived inside the opening minutes at Anfield, when Gabriel went to ground holding his face after contact with Isak as the pair competed for the ball. The defender wanted referee Andy Madley to penalise the Liverpool striker, indicating he had been struck in the face, but Metro reports that replays appeared to show Isak's arm catching his upper chest instead.

"He does let himself down at times," Neville said on Sky Sports commentary, per Metro. He said: "I love his fire, his passion and his tenacity." He added: "But there's a push into his upper chest and he goes down holding his face."

The former Manchester United defender and ex-England international added: "It's absolutely embarrassing. He needs to stop doing that."

The Daily Star reports that Gabriel came through the incident unscathed and swiftly returned to the action.

'A defensive masterclass'

Kai Havertz netted the game's sole goal after 16 minutes. This result keeps Arsenal top of the Premier League with a three-point lead, gives Liverpool their second league defeat of the season, and leaves the hosts in fifth place.

Neville was generous in his assessment of the visitors' defending. "It was a defensive masterclass from Arsenal," he said after the full-time whistle, per Metro.

Gabriel featured in a back line that also included Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa and Jurrien Timber, with William Saliba still sidelined through injury, the Daily Star reports. Speaking before kick-off, Gabriel had said he expected "big chaos in the game" and described the trip as "a big battle".

Other flashpoints

Liverpool were also denied a penalty when Isak's shirt was pulled by Timber, with BBC Sport reporting one Arsenal supporter's view that his side "got away with one". The same outlet noted the victory was Arsenal's first in the Premier League at Anfield in 14 years.

Football.London reports that Madueke has since addressed the episode.

Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday, when they visit Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Photo: Photo2023 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, resized.