Gary Neville has once again criticized Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Joffre, claiming he is “beyond his relevance” with his antics on the touchline.
Arsenal have enjoyed huge success from corner kicks and free kicks in recent seasons, and Gopher has been credited with adding a new dimension to Mikel Arteta's side.
The Gunners made use of his experience again last night with Declan Rice's left-wing corner kick headed in by Gabriel before reaching Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke and scoring the equaliser in the north London derby. Arsenal then won with a goal from Leandro Trossard to move four points clear of leaders Liverpool.
Dominic Solanke's deflection after Gabriel's header means Arsenal have equalized in the north London derby 🤩
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While Neville is happy to give Goff credit for his work, the former Manchester United and England full-back believes he needs to curb his enthusiasm.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville said: “I've called him the most annoying man in football. You know what? I'm strengthening my position, I'm doubling down.
“He abuses me every week. I will say this very calmly, I think he exaggerates its importance.
“If a goalkeeper makes a good save, I don't see the goalkeeper coach on the edge of the touchline. I don't see other coaches stepping up and getting glory because of it.
“The manager is up front, he can't communicate from 50 yards with players who know what they're doing. I think he overestimates his importance, I really think so.
“I see great goalkeeping coaches and coaches working on other aspects of the game, and I don't see them pointing at themselves and exaggerating their importance.
“That's how I feel. I understand he's important and he's doing a great job, but I really think he needs to sit down a bit. I think the players will start looking at him too and think, 'Wait a minute, come on.'
Wright says Neville was tough
Neville's hosts had differing opinions on the sentiment, with Jamie Carragher admitting he “couldn't disagree with him”, while former Arsenal striker Ian Wright felt he was “too harsh”.
Gabriel also scored the winner as Arsenal won the reverse fixture at Tottenham Hotspur in September, after which Arteta praised Gauff's work.
When asked if Giuffre was the best in his field, he said: “In his field, in other fields and as a person. And the relationship that we have – that's why I made the decision to bring him to (Manchester) City when I was there and then to Arsenal.
“He and the rest of the staff have instilled belief in the players that there are many ways to win football matches. This is a really strong player and he has given us a lot. So a huge compliment to all of them.
