Tottenham boss Conte delivers verdict on Arsenal and £160k-a-week Gunners man

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Antonio Conte has told his Tottenham press conference on Thursday – as per Football Daily – that Arsenal have made a “fantastic start” and gave his take on Gunners manager Mikel Arteta ahead of Saturday’s North London derby.

In what could already be a crucial game this season, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with six wins and a loss from their opening seven league games. Meanwhile, Tottenham are a point behind, winning five and drawing twice.

The two sides are expected to push for the top four this season, and perhaps even begin to show title credentials. It comes after both spent in the summer, including signings like Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandar Zinchenko and Richarlison.

Conte praised Arsenal for making a brilliant start to the season, and applauded the work of £160,000-a-week manager Arteta. He believes Arteta is showing the potential as a manager to go on and have a really good career in his position.

“For sure, Arsenal have made a fantastic start. They lost only one game against United. They are are showing to be a really good team. In the summer, they made good signings and improved the team,” Conte told media on Thursday.

“Don’t forget, in last three games of last season, they were four points above. Really good team. Really well organised, Arteta is a really good coach. Young, but he can have a great career. One of six teams that can finish in best positions.”

Antonio Conte: Arsenal have made fantastic start, praises Mikel Arteta

Who is going to win? It is finely poised. Tottenham have become defensively solid at the back, but look excellent on the counter. They are scoring goals. Son Heung-min is back in form. Five goals in his last three for club and country.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are growing and growing. They have the depth required to impress in the Europa League but remain competitive in the Premier League. Given it is a derby, it might come down to who impresses on the day.

Form goes out of the window in these types of games, and it will be down to one of each side’s best players to produce some magic. A Harry Kane, a Son, a Gabriel Jesus or a Bukayo Saka. Both are more than capable of winning.