Martin Keown claims Arsenal 'played a part' in Tottenham sacking Antonio Conte

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has suggested that Arsenal have played a part in the sacking of Antonio Conte.

Conte was dismissed after just 16 months at the helm of Tottenham, following an extraordinary press conference in which he labeled the players "selfish" and took aim at club chairman Daniel Levy.

Tottenham have endured a tumultuous March after being dumped from the FA Cup by Sheffield United, and crashing out of the Champions League courtesy of AC Milan.

Most recently, they blew a two-goal lead against relegation threatened Southampton, drawing 3-3 at St Mary's which saw Conte finally lose his tether.

Keown, however, believes north London rivals' Arsenal's success has played a part in Conte's departure.

The Gunners are currently sailing away at the top of the Premier League table, some 20 points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham with 10 games to go.

Keown: Arsenal have played a part

When asked about Spurs’ decision to sack Conte, Keown told talkSPORT: "I think they should have kept him until the end of the season, no doubt."

When pushed if he was saying that because he was an Arsenal Invincible, Keown replied: "No – but now that you mention it – I think Arsenal have played a part.

"The fact that Arsenal are 20 points clear of Spurs and this time last year they were both in the run-in for the top-four places puts Spurs under enormous pressure.

"But it’s what happened in March. Going out of the FA Cup, what happened against AC Milan, the 3-3 game against Southampton was like a defeat… March was miserable for them and eventually [Conte] blew a gasket.

"[Conte] knew he was going. He wanted to say, and needed to say, what was wrong at that football club and they should take stock of that."