Rio Ferdinand could not resist making a cheeky joke at Martin Keown after Arsenal’s defeat to Inter Milan.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 at the San Siro on Wednesday night, their first defeat in this season’s Champions League, and third defeat in six outings in all competitions.
Hakan Calhanoglu’s controversial penalty in first half stoppage-time proved to be the difference between the two sides.
After the match, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown passionately defended his old club’s performance on TNT Sports.
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 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.”
Ferdinand hit back, though, responding: “I don’t think anyone is trying to put Arsenal away 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’s coming to the end of his career shall we say. He’s been remarkable in what he’s done.
“They’ve got free transfers in and it shows in their performance but a lot of people are knocking Arsenal. I’m standing up for them a little bit here tonight.
“I thought they did better than maybe 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.
However, former Manchester United star Ferdinand responded by quipping: “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.”
Keown was left speechless by the reply, but had earlier fumed at the decision to award the hosts a penalty.
Mikel Merino was penalised for a handball after the ball bounced up and struck his arm.
Reacting to the decision, Keown raged: “Is his arm in an unnatural position. It certainly isn’t.
“I don’t know who determines that… it’s ruining our game, it certainly ruins Arteta’s team talk.”
The Gunners now have just one win in their last six, however, following Wednesday’s defeat.
Mikel Arteta’s side are 12th in the league phase table ahead of a trip to face Sporting, who inflicted a 4-1 humiliation on Manchester City on Tuesday night, on November 26.
Beforehand, though, they visit Chelsea in the Premier League this Sunday.
