Ladies and gentleman, I regret to inform you that Gary Neville is at it again.
The former Manchester United right back was on duty for Sky Sports during his old club’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.
Neville was apparently impressed with Ange Postecoglou’s side’s performance as they twice came from behind to earn a point at Old Trafford, with Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur netting to cancel out goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.
Speaking after the game, Neville discussed just how far this new-look Spurs side might be able to go this season, as they sit fifth in the table on 40 points after 21 games.
“If they keep their players fit, they are a certainty to finish in the top four and I think they can get to second and third,” Neville predicted, before adding that Postecoglou and co might even finish higher than league leaderLiverpool.
With those [injured] players back, and if they can get through these next few weeks, I genuinely think they can be better than Arsenal and Liverpool this season,” he continued.
“It might end up being a good draw in the FA Cup against Manchester City. Go out of that and concentrate completely on the league. But they do need to win a trophy.
“If he wins a trophy, great, but we know in the past when teams have had a really explosive season, they’re not usually in Europe or competitions.
“For Ange Postecoglou to get to second or third, which they could do if they have a clean run at it, would be something special.”
The bold comments raised eyebrows among Liverpool fans, with the Reds currently sat five points clear of Tottenham with a game in hand.
The bold comments raised eyebrows among Liverpool fans, with the Reds currently sat five points clear of Tottenham with a game in hand.
Liverpool have also lost just once so far this season (in controversial circumstances at Spurs) compared to the Lillywhites’ five defeats, and have conceded 13 fewer goals.
As many pointed out on social media, Spurs are also not the only side currently missing big players, with Jurgen Klopp currently unable to call on as many as ten first-team stars in the most recent outing (the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Fulham).
After a backlash, Neville attempted to clarify his comments, while taking a dig at ‘sensitive’ Liverpool fans.
Responding to a post from user @kat_lfc13 questioning his original claim, Neville wrote on X: “Such a sensitive mob you lot nowadays. The reason I said Spurs ‘could’ (repeat could) finish above you is they may have a clear run and you’re in all comps! If it’s a laughable suggestion relax and enjoy your PL [first place emoji]”.
It’s not the first time Neville has (let’s face it) probably deliberately attempted to rile Reds recently, with the pundit also leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his Team of the Year.
