BBC pundit shocked by what some Arsenal fans did at full-time today

Sat 28 August 2021 19:15, UK

BBC Sport pundit Jermaine Beckford was confused to see Arsenal fans applauding the Gunners following their 5-0 loss at Manchester City today.

Arsenal, who had already lost their opening two Premier League games, were completely outplayed at the Etihad.

Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring for the hosts after just seven minutes and Ferran Torres doubled five minutes later.

Granit Xhaka then received his marching orders in the 35th minute after a two-footed lunge on Joao Cancelo.

Gabriel Jesus added a third for the hosts just before half time to end the match as a contest.

But worse was to come as Arsenal conceded twice more in the second half – all courtesy of woeful defending.

Rodri netted City’s fourth in the 53rd minute and Torres got his second of the match with six minutes left.

Beckford suggested the Gunners weren’t worthy of applause but praised the fans who stayed behind for their support.

“The Arsenal fans are applauding, trying to get behind Arteta, the players, I don’t know why,” he said on .

“They’re saying, ‘keep faith, try new things, keep going. We know it will be a difficult run.’

“You’ve got to respect the fans still there, because that was difficult to watch.”

Earlier on, Beckford claimed just getting top eight would make it a “phenomenal” season for Arsenal.

“If Arsenal can get into the top eight, wow – it would be a phenomenal season,” he said.

“There is a big building process that needs to happen.”

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