Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown involved in awkward Arsenal exchange - 'So touchy!'

Rio Ferdinand slammed for being “touchy” after

The Gunners fell to their first defeat of the campaign against the Italian side. Hakan Calhanoglu’s first-half penalty was enough for victory - a spot-kick being awarded for a controversial Mikel Merino handball.

The defeat in Milan extended ’s indifferent form. They have lost three out of their last six games, while their only wins in that run have come against Shakhtar Donetsk and Preston North End.

But Keown is not too worried about the current situation and has called for calm after watching Arsenal in action in Italy. 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.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

“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 Nwaneri came on - perhaps should have been on a bit earlier - and he demonstrated some real quality when he came on.”

Fellow pundit replied: “I want to see him more. But I don’t think anyone’s are trying to put Arsenal away here, Martin, we’re just stating facts.”

Keown’s analysis continued as he suggested that the performance was not as disappointed as some had suggested. He added: “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?

What's going wrong for Arsenal?

“He’s been remarkable in what he’s done. They’ve got free transfers in and it shows in their performance. 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 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.”

That comment triggered laughter from the rest of the TNT Sports pundits. Arsenal will be aiming to get back to winning ways this weekend as they travel to . Their next Champions League game pits the Gunners against Sporting Lisbon after the international break - the Portuguese side having just thumped before his move to .

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our