WATCH: Tottenham boss Antonio Conte aims dig at Arteta ahead of North London Derby vs Arsenal

Topics: Antonio Conte, Mikel Arteta, Tottenham, Arsenal, North London Derby, English Premier League

The Italian manager was asked about the Gunners' recent "disorderly" conduct and had some eye-catching words to say.

Tottenham are preparing for one of the most anticipated North London Derbies in recent years. Spurs, who were predicted to compete for the title, find themselves in yet another top-four race while Arsenal are top of the table, hence the importance of Sunday's game.

As a result, Antonio Conte could not have picked a better moment to aim a sly dig at his counterpart Mikel Arteta, which is exactly what he did during his press conference for the weekend clash.

The Gunners have been racking up rave reviews for their blistering season so far, but lately, Saka and Co. have begun garnering controversy as well. While the performance on the pitch has been excellent, critics have taken issue with the players and the manager, in particular, for their conduct toward the match officials.

Arsenal have been fined for failing to control their players in the 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle after both the players and the boss were left livid after Andrew Madley denied two penalty shouts from the North London side. And it did not stop there.

Saka and Co. have since been slapped with another charge by the FA, this time in regard to their FA Cup victory over Oxford United, with Arsenal allegedly failing to act in an orderly fashion after another penalty controversy.

Arteta was pressed on this issue in his press conference for the North London Derby and while the Spaniard refused to comment, Conte had a bit more to say. While the Italian did not reference the Gunners directly, he made sure to stress his distaste for the actions Arsenal are accused of committing.

"I hate the people that try to intimidate the referee," the former Juventus boss unapologetically said. Check out his words in the clip below.

Antonio Conte's response to @Arsenal's consecutive FA charges:

"I HATE people who intimidate referees" pic.twitter.com/K5bQRHPXGk
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) January 13, 2023

This wasn't the only time Conte addressed this topic as he also called for respect towards the referees, arguing that the on-pitch officials should not be intimidated irrespective of whether they make a mistake or not.

"I don't like to put pressure on the referee or create an intimidating atmosphere around them. We have to show respect."

Is Antonio Conte aiming a little dig toward Mikel Arteta ahead of the north London derby? pic.twitter.com/bO5JvzklJI
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 14, 2023

However, Antonio also showed tremendous respect for Arteta and Arsenal when asked about the league leaders, stating that their position in the table is no mere fluke but rather a result of their brilliant work both on and off the pitch.

"They [Arsenal] are in the right direction. They are top of the table and they are deserving, it's not luck. Every game they show to be a good, really strong team."

Antonio Conte says Arsenal aren't top of the league based on luck. pic.twitter.com/oRdUroJ1FZ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 13, 2023

Nonetheless, the Italian's previous statement has riled up the rival fans and will only result in a more heated derby.

Given that Manchester United face Manchester City in this round, not only would a Spurs win dent the title ambitions of their bitter rivals, but it will also boost Tottenham's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League as well.