Arsenal were the reason Tottenham sacked Antiono Conte - Martin Keown

Martin Keown, a former Arsenal player, claimed that the Gunners "played a part" in Antonio Conte's dismissal as manager of Tottenham on Sunday.

The Italian manager, who had signed with the north London club in November 2021, was given the exit door on Sunday after giving an angry interview after Tottenham's disappointing performance against Southampton just before the break.

Prior to his firing, Tottenham lost to bottom-place Southampton in the Premier League and squandered a two-goal lead against Sheffield United in the FA Cup. They also lost to AC Milan in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

The legendary Arsenal player also laments their competitors' success. Spurs' decision to fire the former Inter Milan, Juventus, Italy, and Chelsea manager was influenced by Arsenal's performance this season.

With 10 games remaining in the Premier League, Arsenal is 20 points ahead of fourth-place Tottenham.

“I think they should have kept him until the end of the season, no doubt,” Keown told talkSPORT.

“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.”