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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hits back at Antonio Conte's jibe by insisting the Gunners' full focus is on Champions League qualification... and claims his players are in a 'good place' ahead of their crunch trip to Newcastle Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Spurs boss Antonio Conte have traded barbs Conte told Arteta to stop complaining after Tottenham beat Arsenal 3-0 at home Arteta has backed his players after that painful setback, saying they are focused The Gunners travel to Newcastle in the race for Champions League qualification

By Nick Callow For Mail On Sunday

Published: 22:33 BST, 14 May 2022 | Updated: 22:34 BST, 14 May 2022

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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.

Antonio Conte (left) told Mikel Arteta to stop complaining after Tottenham trounced Arsenal

Spurs manager Conte had plenty to smile about as his team beat their arch-rivals 3-0 at home

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