‘COJONES’ JIBE ( ) HURT

Arteta reveals how Deeney’s criticism stung and has fired up Gunners to hit back in style

is probably because you feel that what was said is right.

“If you don’t feel that it’s right or it doesn’t justify the way you approach the game or you fight, it doesn’t affect you. So I think that’s a very personal thing.”

When asked whether he thought Deeney should have said it, Arteta added: “Every player is free to say whatever they want – I cannot comment on every opinion.”

It does add some extra spice to a huge game, with Watford fighting for their lives – even though their Premier league destiny is no longer just in their own hands as Aston Villa have gone above them on goal difference.

But there is a certain irony in that Arteta talked earlier in the week about changing Arsenal’s DNA, making them harder to beat – and then they lost at Villa on Tuesday night.

It leaves Arsenal facing their worst finish – the best they can hope for is eighth – since 1995 when they were 12th and with fewer points. Arteta, who said he does not expect defender Shkodran Mustafi to be fit for the FA Cup final, insisted that, even if they win the trophy at Wembley, it will not be seen as a good season for a club the size and stature of Arsenal.

Arteta said: “It hurts so much. This club deserves the best and you have to be fighting for every title. Obviously, after everything that happened, if we are able to win the final and qualify for Europe, we can say that it’s OK. But it’s not the level for this club.

“I don’t think the league table lies at the end of the 10 months after 38 games. Hopefully next season it will be very different.

“We have a beautiful challenge ahead of us.

“We have to get this right and bring this club back to where it belongs, which is with the top teams in the country and in Europe.

“In order to do that, we have to make a lot of good decisions.”