Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has issued a defiant response to critcism over the club's decision to postpone their North London Derby against Tottenham - insisting his side did not have the players to compete.
The Gunners were subject to scathing criticism after their request to push back the highly-anticipated clash was accepted by the Premier League - despite having only one Covid case in their squad at the time - with Arteta's side affected by injuries, suspensions and players at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Many pundits have been critical of clubs who attempt to postpone games despite having enough players available, and Arsenal were in the firing line amid accusations the north Londoners had used the delay in order to avoid playing a crucial game without their best players.