Conte has praised Mikel Arteta ahead of Tottenham clash with Arsenal

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Antonio Conte has praised Mikel Arteta, and suggested that the Arsenal boss is doing a really good job at the Emirates ahead of Thursday’s North London derby – in comments reported by Football London.

This week’s meeting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of the biggest derbies for a number of years. Of course, both clubs are pushing for a top-four spot in the Premier League.

Arsenal currently have the initiative. They have moved four points clear of Tottenham after they beat Leeds on Sunday, while Spurs managed to draw at Liverpool.

It was already a must-win game for Tottenham. But Conte’s side now require snookers if they are going to finish above the Gunners this season.

Ahead of Thursday’s meeting, Conte suggested that he has been impressed by the work Arteta has done during his time at Arsenal.

“We have to try to get three points on Thursday against Arsenal. It won’t be easy because we’re talking about a good, well organised team,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“Arteta is doing a really good job. He’s been in charge for two and a half years. He had the possibility to work, to improve his team.”

Conte has praised Mikel Arteta

Arteta deserves enormous credit for the job he has done. He has been given the funds to overhaul much of the squad. But the players he brought in were not proven stars.

In fact, many ridiculed Arsenal when they decided to part with major sums to sign the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White. But those deals have, so far, been vindicated.

It would be an achievement if he can see off the challenge of Tottenham, too. Spurs have been outstanding since Conte came in late last year. And it did appear, at one stage, that they had all of the momentum.

It should be a fascinating contest this week with Tottenham knowing that only victory will do. Arsenal meanwhile, face the potential dilemma of deciding whether to stick or twist.