Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal fans have been doing something ‘crazy’ since Man City draw

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Arsenal fans have been split in their opinion on the draw against Manchester City, and Rio Ferdinand has noticed.

Naturally, mixed emotions followed the draw, as it wasn’t until the 93rd minute that Arsenal got themselves onto the scoresheet. 

Erling Haaland picked Arsenal’s defence apart after just nine minutes, giving the Gunners a hill to climb, a hill made even steeper by Pep Guardiola’s surprising tactics. 

Arsenal dominated Man City into playing a way that is so far from Guardiola’s footballing philosophy, but some fans aren’t charmed by merely winning the possession battle.

• READ MORE: Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola knew one thing about Arsenal, it’s brutal for Mikel Arteta

Rio Ferdinand shocked by Arsenal fans’ negative reaction to Man City draw

Arsenal’s lack of creativity against Man City was a talking point, just as it was after the defeat to Liverpool on matchday three.

Supporters want to see the star-studded attacking options given the licence to create chaos, but so far this season, it’s just not happening. 

There are plenty of reasons for fans to be underwhelmed by the draw against City, but Rio Ferdinand doesn’t think that’s acceptable. 

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the pundit called Arsenal fans out for being ‘negative’ after the draw.

“What I would say is, as negative as you Arsenal fans have been, when was the last time you actually dominated a Man City team? Possession, chances at goal, shots, entries into the box, you totally dominated them in that sense.”

Ferdinand continued by sharing his opinion that the reaction from fans following the game has been ‘crazy’ to see.

“You didn’t win the game. I know that,” he said.

“But in terms of all the numbers, you look at the numbers, you look at the way that you finished the game. Surely you come away from that not as negative as I’ve seen your fan base. It’s crazy.”

In the eyes of the Manchester United icon, Arsenal fans should be happy with the draw, given the control that Arteta’s side had on the match.

Arsenal fans want more than just domination

Since the 2022/23 season, Arsenal have cracked the code of attacking football, defensive football and have a strong midfield.

Unfortunately, the balance is off, as while the defence is still standing strong, the attack and midfield are in the works due to changes in the summer transfer window. 

So, while Arsenal are dominating games and did derail Guardiola’s plan at the Emirates, the game was not won, and that’s always going to be a talking point.

Dominating teams isn’t enough to win the title if the scoreline is not in your favour.

Liverpool will tell you that, having won five out of five games without being entirely convincing.

Ferdinand has a point in the sense that only five games have been played this season, but still, the desire to want more is valid.