Arteta hits back at Conte ahead of Arsenal's crunch trip to Newcastle

Mikel Arteta is planning to hit back at Antonio Conte by ensuring Arsenal end the season above their bitter rivals.

Tottenham manager Conte told his opposite number to stop complaining and focus on his own team after the Gunners 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 their final two matches — starting at Newcastle tomorrow — would ensure Arsenal qualify for the Champions League and likely condemn Spurs to Europa League football next season, but any slip-up could gift the glory to Conte's men.

Arteta said: 'I'm only looking forward, as I said afterwards [at Spurs]. That game was lost and we were disappointed but now we have a have huge game to play against Newcastle. We have fully focused all our energy on that.'

Arsenal reported for training yesterday morning after a day's rest and Arteta claimed they had already brushed off a defeat he had insinuated was more down to poor refereeing than his side's lack of composure on the night.

'We started the game extremely well, then we conceded that first goal after that [penalty] decision.' he said. 'After that we got into a situation that is difficult to judge, or assess, but I was really proud of the players.

'They tried to handle the situation, but very disappointed with the result. The way they have