ARTETA FIRES BACK AT CONTE

MIKEL ARTETA is planning to hit back at Antonio Conte by beating Tottenham to a top-four finish.

Spurs boss Conte told the Arsenal manager to stop complaining and focus on his own team after Arteta’s men were thrashed 3-0 in Thursday’s north London derby, which reignited the race for Champions League qualification.

The pair have been sniping since Arsenal managed to get their original January clash postponed due to a combination of injury and Covid absentees.

Now Arteta insists his players have already moved on from their derby defeat and has followed Conte’s advice to the letter.

Asked if he had a message back for the fiery Italian coach, Arteta said: ‘Yes — I am fully focused on beating Newcastle.’

Two wins from Arsenal’s final two matches, starting at St James’ Park tomorrow, would condemn their bitter rivals to Europa League football next season.

Arteta had insinuated the derby loss was more down to poor refereeing than his side’s lack of composure.

‘We started the game extremely well, then we conceded that first goal after that (penalty) decision,’ he said yesterday.

‘After that, we got into a situation that is difficult to judge, or assess but, as I said, I was really proud of

the players. They tried to handle the situation.

‘We all know everything that we have been through throughout the season to fight to be in this position.

‘But two games and needing two wins is a good place to be.’