RIO FERDINAND slammed Martin Keown for being “touchy” after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.
The Gunners suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial first-half penalty enough to separate the sides.
Arsenal have suffered three defeats in their last six in all competitions.
While their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.
And there’s no sign of their form changing ahead of what is now a HUGE visit to Chelsea on Sunday.
But Arsenal legend Keown is not worried about the Gunners’ dip in form.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “The point I’m making is that in the second half, Arsenal did all they could to score a goal here. And I saw a really good reaction.
“Everyone wants to put Arsenal away. I don’t think there’s a massive crisis for Arsenal. I don’t think they’re that far away from getting it right.
“They’ve got to keep believing in what they’re doing. Yes they’re not scoring goals but I thought when Ethan Nwaneri came on – perhaps should have been on a bit earlier – and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”
Fellow pundit Ferdinand replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”
But Keown bit back: “No I’m admiring 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 shall we say?
“A lot of people knocking Arsenal, I’m standing up for them a bit tonight.
“I thought they did better. Maybe it was mentioned in the commentary. I thought they had one or two chances that they didn’t put away but they certainly went after their opponents today.”
Ferdinand then turned to host Laura Woods and said: “Why are Arsenal people so touchy?
“I don’t understand, why is that? No one’s having a dig – we’re not having a dig.”
The Man Utd legend’s comment triggered a fit of laughter from the rest of the TNT panel and left Keown speechless.
Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a tale of TWO penalties on Wednesday night.
Mikel Merino was adjudged to have handled inside the box from close range during stoppage time in the first half.
Merino had earlier been denied a penalty after he saw himself on the receiving end of a punch in the head by Inter keeper Yann Sommer.
Arteta said: “We were very harshly done. I don’t understand [Inter’s penalty]. It is a deflection. There is no danger, no reaction because it is very close to his body.
“There is nothing he can do. I don’t know how you can get away from it.
“We were told at the start of the season that was not going to be a penalty but it was a different story.
“But if that is a penalty then when Merino is punched in the head it is one thousand percent a penalty. It is very difficult to accept that.”
Arsenal player ratings v Inter Milan
TOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.
Here’s how the Gunners stars were rated by SunSport’s Tony Robertson.
David Raya – 6
Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night. Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.
Ben White – 7
Dependable as ever at right back. Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.
William Saliba – 7
Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes. Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank. Dependable but undone by the controversial penalty call.
Mikel Merino – 5
Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight. Unlucky to give away the penalty.
Thomas Partey – 6
Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half. But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench. Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7
Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash. Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.
Kai Havertz – 6
Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top. Went off with a bloody head in injury time.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Buzzed around and had threatening moments. But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.
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