Gary Neville slams three Tottenham players for Arsenal’s first goal in North London Derby

Arsenal deservedly took the lead at the Emirates in the 26th minute of Sunday’s North London Derby, when Bukayo Saka’s effort from just inside the box kindly deflected off Cristian Romero and into the back of the net.

Romero was attempting to clear the ball behind for a corner, but Saka’s effort looked to be heading wide, or was at least in saving range for Guglielmo Vicario.

Gary Neville’s Criticism

Gary Neville was left unimpressed by three Tottenham players for their role in Arsenal’s first goal of Sunday’s North London Derby. On Sky Sports, Neville said: “They’ll be some that will say, “it’s just unlucky”, but I think that’s rash from Romero. Wafting his leg at it like that. It is an awkward height but that’s the worst thing you can do because once you get contact on it Vicario has no chance.”

Neville wasn’t done there though, and was heavily critical of Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson for allowing Saka so much time and space to have the effort that lead to the goal. “It has been coming and it has been coming down this side with Saka and he gets some help,” the Manchester United legend added.

“No communication between the left-back Udogie and the left-winger Johnson. Saka was left with too much time to place his shot. It’s really simple: Udogie stays with the runner Ben White. Johnson should go with Saka. We talked about Brennan Johnson [not] running back. He does run back with White but they both go with the full-back and it just leaves Saka with such an enormous amount of time to set it out into that far corner.”

Neville concluded by saying: “It is just getting a bit too much for the Spurs left back…. Spurs need to get up the pitch to take the pressure off their defenders. Postecoglou may have a decision to make about Udogie. He’s been under enourmous pressure.”

Conclusion

Arsenal’s first goal of Sunday’s North London Derby was a result of poor communication and defensive errors from Tottenham players, according to Gary Neville. The Manchester United legend was heavily critical of Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson for allowing Bukayo Saka so much time and space to have the effort that lead to the goal.

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