Antonio Conte's defeatist Spurs attitude exposed by Mikel Arteta response to Arsenal critics

No, you were not dreaming, Antonio Conte really did meltdown once again after Tottenham lost their fourth game in their last five matches.

The seasonal win over Manchester City was not a masterclass or example of tactical genius as predicted, it was a mismatch of tactics and a fortunate coincidence for Arsenal’s north London rivals to face a rarely off-form opponent.

Losses to Chelsea, Southampton, Wolves and Burnley have shown that even after January signings, unless there is a plan in place to progress a team, it can prove incredibly difficult to achieve. Thankfully for the Gunners, the evidence of the upward ascent has been frequent throughout the campaign.

Antonio Conte’s words after the 1-0 Burnley loss are from a defeated figure questioning his own situation.

"I am not used to this situation. I am trying everything but the situation is not changing," added the Italian. "I am available and open with the club to do what the club wants.

"I want to help the club, I work a lot, I work very hard. I am giving 20 hours a day to Tottenham and the other four hours I sleep but it is not enough.

"The performance can be good and the commitment was good but we lost. For me the situation is unacceptable. To lose four of five [games] for Tottenham has to be a disaster.

"I came in to try to improve the situation. Maybe in this moment, I am not so good to improve the situation. I am too honest to close my eyes and continue in this way."

For comparison, speaking after the 5-0 defeat at Man City, Arsenal’s third in their opening three games, Arteta was asked if he felt he was the right man for the job.

"Yes, I do. If not, I wouldn’t be sitting here," he said.

When questioned as to what needed to change, he replied, "For me, it is