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Neither Arsenal and Tottenham have made convincing starts to their Premier League campaigns this season, and somewhat unexpectedly, both currently sit below newly-promoted Sheffield United in the table.

Spurs seem to be suffering an extended hangover from their Champions League final defeat to Liverpool, while the Gunners are lurching from one crisis to the next under Unai Emery's stewardship.

Along with perhaps Leicester, last season's Championship winners Sheffield United have been the surprise package of the top-flight campaign to date.

Chris Wilder has earned plaudits via his side's well drilled style of football which has seen them concede just nine goals in 12 games, beating Arsenal 1-0 along the way.

And former Gunners playmaker Paul Merson believes the 52-year-old Blades boss could step up and manage either of the two north London clubs, should Emery or Mauricio Pochettino need replacing.

"Chris Wilder has done a fantastic job at Sheffield United and deserves a crack at a really big job at some point," Merson said in his exclusive Starsport column..

"We should all be talking about him right now but we’re not. Maybe his name’s too English? But look at what he’s achieved.

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"He was successful at Oxford and Northampton. Two tough jobs. And he’s taken Sheffield United back into the Premier League.

"They are not keeping all those clean sheets by sticking ten men behind the ball either. They play some lovely stuff, get people in the box, and have a go at teams.

"I think they have actually been a bit unlucky in some games this season but to see them up there in fifth is phenomenal.

"I watched them play Arsenal and there was only one team who knew what they were doing. Arsenal had no idea. That’s good coaching.

"Managers like Unai Emery and Manuel Pellegrini are under pressure, and okay you never know for sure if a manager can make such a big step up.

"But Chris Wilder has got to be in the conversation the next time a big job comes up. He deserves it."

Sheffield United welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane next Sunday after the international break concludes.