Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has issued a response to Tottenham manager Antonio Conte ahead of the North London Derby this weekend.
Conte praised Arteta for the job he has done, and continues to do, at the Emirates Stadium along with rating the Gunners' summer transfer business. Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table heading into the huge clash on Saturday, one point above Spurs who are level with reigning champions Manchester City.
The Gunners will have Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko available for selection for the game against the Lilywhites after all three players picked up knocks on international duty with their respective nations. Conte refused to reveal any details on the injuries facing Spurs ahead of the trip to the Emirates Stadium in order not to give his rivals an early advantage.
READ MORE: Arsenal press conference LIVE: Mikel Arteta on Partey, injury crisis, Smith Rowe and Tottenham
Speaking ahead of the North London Derby, the Spurs boss said: "I know the quality of this team [Arsenal]. I know they are working with Arteta for many years, they are really well organised and Arteta I said last season he is a really good coach.
"He is young but he can have in front of him a great career. We know that Arsenal are one of the six teams that try to take the best position in the Premier League."
Arteta issued a response in his press conference on Friday afternoon thanking Conte for his kind comments. The Gunners manager responded: "First of all thank you. Hopefully, we are [title contenders], but the next few months will unveil that. We want to get better than where we are today as well."
The Spaniard was quick to return the compliment for his opposing manager admitting Spurs have a 'clear identity' and predict a tough match tomorrow. Arteta added: "Not only the start, the journey they’ve had since Antonio joined and how things have changed and the team that he’s building, and the very clear identity they have in their way of playing.
"Obviously we know that both teams expect a tough match tomorrow."
With both teams challenging at the top of the Premier League, it is set up to be a fiery contest at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal looking to go four points clear of Spurs.
READ NEXT:
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on Arsenal vs Tottenham score prediction
Thomas Partey fitness hope, Bukayo Saka future, Spurs injury blow, Arsenal vs Tottenham preview
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal undroppable emerges for North London Derby vs Tottenham amid injury worry
Mikel Arteta can unleash Arsenal's own Kevin De Bruyne in North London Derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
