Gary Neville's comments about Trey Nyoni on first Premier League start for Liverpool are dividing supporters

Gary Neville wasn't impressed with Trey Nyoni's start to Liverpool's clash with Arsenal, and his comments have caused a stir online

Liverpool have the chance to thrust themselves in the title race as they welcome reigning champions to Anfield for a thrilling Premier League clash on Sunday evening.

Ahead of the match, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola surprised fans naming young talent Nyoni in the starting lineup, but once the game got underway, Neville wasn't happy with his performance.

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Gary Neville calls out Trey Nyoni for controversial start to Liverpool v Arsenal

Just moments into the Premier League match, it became clear that both Liverpool and Arsenal were ready to fight tooth and nail in what could be one of the most important matches of the season.

Players from both sides were getting stuck into each each other in a battle to stamp authority over the fixture.

Right in the middle of the action was Nyoni who, according to Neville, was very lucky not to have been sent off early in his first Premier League start after challenges on Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

In the first minute of the match, Nyoni's boot found the back of Odegaard's foot, with some arguing it could have resulted in an achilles injury, while the altercation with Havertz involved Nyoni running into the striker.

Reacting to Neville's commentary, one fan noted: "Gary Neville trying his hardest to get Nyoni booked."

Another angry fan added: "Neville decided to go after Nyoni already today wait and see he won’t let up till he’s booked he’s an absolute tosser."

While one commented: "Neville saying Nyoni is lucky it’s early in the game is everything wrong with modern football and him as a pundit.

"1 - It’s a contact sport, you’re going to get kicked, there was no power in that, it’s not serious foul play

"2 - Why is Neville still on Liverpool games?"

However, Neville wasn't alone in thinking Nyoni could maybe have been given his marching orders in the opening minutes of the match.

Reacting to his challenge on Odegaard in the first minute, one fan asked: "How does Nyoni escape a card here? That could easily be a red card in today’s game."

With another writing: "Max Dowman serving a three match ban while both those Nyoni tackles aren’t even a yellow. Difficult not to despair really."

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VAR slammed for Alexander Isak penalty shout

But Nyoni's challenges was far from the only controversy from the opening 45 minutes at Anfield.

After going 1-0 to the visitors following a goal from Havertz, Liverpool turned up the pressure and began attacking relentlessly right up until the half-time break.

During one attack, star striker Alexander Isak came within inches of heading the ball for what would have been a near-certain goal, but appeared to be held back by Jurrien Timber.

Immediately, Neville commented that, if Isak had made more of a deal about the shirt pull, the Liverpool striker could have had a penalty.

And this opinion was shared by the Sky Sports studio, who criticised VAR for not intervening.

"One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball - why does he need to make a meal of it?" Jamie Carragher asked.

"VAR do your job."

Arsenal legend Ian Wright agreed, adding: "He shouldn't have to make more of it. We can see it. As an Arsenal man, I'm glad we got away with it.

"Unless I'm pulled back, I'm going to head it as much as I can. When he pulled him, it was just about enough as he would need to go down."

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