‘So disappointing’ Ferdinand cheekily jokes as Keown passionately defends Arsenal’s performance

Rio Ferdinand couldn’t resist making a cheeky joke at Martin Keown after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan.

The Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat at the San Siro on Wednesday night, their first Champions League defeat this season and third defeat in six matches in all competitions.

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Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial penalty in stoppage time in the first half was the difference between the two teams.

After the match the former Arsenal defender Martin Keown passionately defended his old club’s performance on TNT Sport.

The ex-England international explained: “In the second half Arsenal almost did everything they could to score a goal here and I saw a really good reaction.

“Everyone wants to get rid of Arsenal.” I don’t think there is a serious crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far off the mark.”

“They have to continue to believe in what they are doing. Yes, they don’t score goals.”

However, Ferdinand hit back, replying: “I don’t think anyone is trying to throw Arsenal out here, Martin, I think we’re just stating facts.”

Keown added: “I admire what Inter Milan are doing. They have a different model, they have a director of football who is coming to the end of his career, so to speak. He is outstanding at what he has done.”

“They have free transfers and it shows in their performances, but a lot of people knock Arsenal out. I’m sticking up for them a little bit tonight.”

“I thought they did a better job than maybe was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they took, but they definitely chased their opponents today.”

However, the former Manchester United Star Ferdinand quipped: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy? I don’t understand.

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“Why? Nobody digs, we don’t dig.”

The answer left Keown speechless, but earlier he was outraged by the decision to award a penalty to the hosts.

Mikel Merino was penalized for handball after the ball bounced and hit his hand.

Reacting to the decision, Keown fumed: “Is his arm in an unnatural position? Of course this is not true.

“I don’t know who defines it… it spoils our game, it definitely spoils Arteta’s team talk.”

However, after Wednesday’s defeat, the Gunners now have just one win from their last six.

Mikel Arteta’s side are 12th in the Championship standings ahead of their match against Sporting Lisbon, which delivered a blow 4-1 humiliation over Manchester City on Tuesday evening, November 26th.

But first they visit Chelsea in the Premier League this Sunday.

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