ARSENAL ‘NO SOFT TOUCH’ UNDER MIKEL

CHRIS WILDER claims he can already see the improvement in Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took over last month.

Wilder’s Sheffield United triggered Unai Emery’s demise with their 1-0 win at Bramall Lane in October (above). The Gunners were woeful that night and Emery (below) paid the price not long afterwards.

But Wilder says his analysis of Arsenal shows that new boss Arteta has improved them in every area.

The Blades boss said: “They look more organised since Mikel has come in. Statistically, we’ve looked at them and they’re doing more now.

“They’re more difficult to break down, they’re tougher, but they’ve still got the flair players they’ve always had.

“Like Manchester United, they might be in transition, but it’s still Arsenal, it’s still the Emirates. I know we will have to be at the very top of our game to get anything.”

Wilder has backed Arteta to make Arsenal a force next summer when he has had time to remould the squad.

“He has a lot of work to do to see what works and what doesn’t,” he said. “I’m sure they will be a force again when he’s had a full pre-season and another window to go at it because they’re a historic top-four club.”

Sixth-placed United are four points and four places better off than Arsenal and Wilder has challenged his players to turn a “remarkable” start into a “brilliant” season.

The Blades are enjoying their best campaign in 45 years and Wilder does not want them to let up. “It’s an outstanding news story so far,” he said.

“I’d love it to be a brilliant story at the end of the season. The key is to continue it for the next 16 or 17 games. For us to find ourselves in sixth at this stage of the season is remarkable

“But I’m not into ‘at this stage’. I’m into where you are at the end of the

season.”