"It's not a secret..." - Arsenal boss Arteta aims thinly-veiled dig at Man Utd manager Ten Hag

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issued a thinly-veiled dig at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

On Sunday the Gunners dispatched managerless Crystal Palace 4-1 to extend their lead at the Premier League summit to eight points, albeit having played a game more than their nearest rivals Manchester City.

While Arsenal are just ten games away from claiming their first Premier League title in 19 years, they have been dealt several injury blows in recent weeks.

The Gunners suffered their latest setback during their Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, as Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba limped off in the first half.

Ironically, the injuries came just a week before the United boss Ten Hag incensed Arsenal fans by claiming the table toppers had benefited from a predominantly clean bill of health this term.

The Dutchman said: “In every game we had one player suspended, one player is injured, or has illness so we have to deal with it now.

"Of course, you hope it is like Arsenal. Almost all the time, their squad is totally available.”

Mikel Arteta’s thinly veiled response

Arteta laid out the injuries his side have had to contend with this season.

Following the final whistle against Palace, Arteta told Sky Sports: "We had to respond and we talked about having players out all season.

"Gabriel Jesus was out for four months, Emile Smith Rowe out for four and a half months, Kiernan Tierney, Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah out for two and a half months, now William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

"We overcome those situations, Rob came in and was brilliant today.

"Everyone has to give another edge to be at the same level, it's not a secret.

"There are moments we have 14, 15 players but everyone is willing to play and put their bodies on the line and I am happy that our players are happy to do that.

"To be at the top you have to do that at all times."