God. I almost spat out my coffee when I saw this clip yesterday. There's something deeply satisfying about watching someone who talks for a living get absolutely schooled on national television.
If you're an Arsenal supporter (like my brother-in-law who texts me after EVERY match), you probably already saw this glorious moment when Gary Neville got put in his place on NBC Sports. The look on his face? Priceless.
What the hell is Neville smoking?
So here's what happened. Neville – in typical pundit fashion – decided Arsenal's league campaign has been a "big let-down" this season. According to him, the Gunners have "gone backwards" despite putting one foot in the Champions League semis after absolutely demolishing Real Madrid 3-0.
Let that sink in.
The man literally said this with a straight face: "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."
He went on about recruitment issues and how they never covered themselves for potential injuries to Havertz (their only real center-forward option). Fair point there, I'll give him that. My fantasy team suffered when Odegaard was out too.
Enter the Hero We Didn't Know We Needed
Just when I thought Neville would ramble on unchallenged (like he did at teh United match last month), former Middlesbrough player Robbie Mustoe stepped in with what might be the most satisfying shutdown I've seen in 2025.
Mustoe wasn't having any of it. He defended Arsenal by pointing out something that should be blindingly obvious to anyone who's actually been watching football this season – injuries matter!
"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," Mustoe fired back.
Back in January, I remember watching Arsenal trying to patch together a midfield with what felt like their C-team. My cousin (die-hard Gunner since '98) was texting me weekly injury updates like obituaries.
The Brutal Truth Bomb
Mustoe didn't stop there. He delivered the knockout blow: "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."
I spent $200 on tickets to see Arsenal play when they visited my city last fall, adn even I could see their squad depth issues. But regressed? After destroying the Champions League holders? Come on.
Twitter went absolutely bonkers
Arsenal fans, predictably, were all over this exchange. One wrote: "Mustoe shutting down Neville is the most satisfying thing you will see today." Another called it "the best thing I've seen this Sunday."
Listen. I'm not even an Arsenal supporter (sorry to any Gunners reading this), but there's something deeply satisfying about watching someone get called out when they're clearly just trying to generate headlines.
The weird contradiction nobody's talking about
The funniest part? As one fan pointed out, Neville actually predicted Arsenal would win the league at the start of the season! Talk about flip-flopping. My editor would never let me get away with that kind of inconsistency.
I watched Arsenal's draw against Brentford on Saturday while folding laundry (exciting weekend, I know). They looked... fine? Not spectacular, but hardly a team in crisis. They're likely heading for second place for the third straight season, which most clubs would kill for.
And they're on the verge of a Champions League semifinal. How exactly is that "going backwards"?
Poor Neville. Maybe next time he'll actually watch the matches before forming an opinion.
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External Links
How To
How To Choose Functional and Comfortable Football Clothing
Football apparel must be functional and comfortable. Fabrics that are breathable and can wick away moisture from the skin will keep you cool. A good fit ensures that the clothing doesn't restrict movement or chafe during play. For colder climates, consider materials that provide warmth without sacrificing mobility. Design and fit are important as well. The socks should provide enough cushioning, but not be too thick or restricting. Football kit customization can additionally inspire confidence and team unity.
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