Tottenham boss Antonio Conte takes huge hit at Arsenal as NLD mind games kick off

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has claimed that "it's not right" for players and managers to try to bully referees. The comments preceded the North London Derby on Sunday, with Arsenal receiving back-to-back charges for failing to control their players in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle and 3-0 win over Oxford.

Tottenham and Arsenal will face off for the second time this season as the two north London rivals aim to claim bragging rights for their supporters. Both clubs have plenty to play for, with the Gunners battling for the Premier League title and Spurs battling for the top four.

The wits have already started in pre-match press conferences with Conte suggesting Arsenal's recent behavior has been 'unfair'. Mikel Arteta's side have received two charges from the FA in the space of six days for their players' reaction to handball decisions against Newcastle and Oxford.

He said, "Intimidating and creating a bad atmosphere is not right. I hate people who try to do that."

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Conte is no stranger to creating controversy on the touchline and has received two red cards this season for his behavior. As a passionate manager himself, he admits it can be difficult for managers to stand still in a high-pressure environment.

“I think everyone is trying to live the situation the way they like to live,” he said. "Of course also Arteta is another coach who shows his passion and transfers it to the pitch and his players, but honestly I see a lot of coaches involved in the game.

"Our job has become really difficult now, so seeing a coach sitting on the bench is very difficult. Of course, Arteta is a coach like me, we show our passion and what happened on the pitch is the movement. Nothing is prepared in your mind. Sometimes you can celebrate in a strange way, but that passion is pure passion. Arteta is another coach who loves to live the game."

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Tottenham are currently two points clear of the top four with a victory on Sunday essential to help the club stay clear of the Champions League. He may be able to call on the services of Dejan Kulusevski again after the 22-year-old missed the last three games with a muscle injury while Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison are also nearing a comeback and could reunite in contention.

"The news is certain that the situation will improve, especially for Deki, for Kulusevski," he said when asked about the injury situation. "He's had a training session the last few days with us. He's going to be ready to play. Regarding Richy and Rodrigo, both situations are improving.

"I think that at the moment Deki is much more ready to play and above all does not take risks. For us it is important to have patience before this period and not to risk accelerating and losing them for a long time. We'll see. We have another training session tomorrow to monitor the situation with Rodrigo and Richy."

The North London Derby kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday with the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports.

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