Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder asks if Mikel Arteta has 'been on the red wine'

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder joked that Mikel Arteta had been drinking after the Arsenal manager praised his work.

Despite the Blades facing relegation from the Premier League, Wilder is still capable of having a laugh. And it was comments made by Gunners counterpart Arteta that made him break out on Monday night.

Wilder was speaking to Sky Sports before his side's clash at home to Arsenal when confronted with Arteta's praise. After learning the Spaniard had said he'd learned a lot from Wilder during his time as a manager, Wilder looked almost perplexed as he responded: «Has he been on the red wine? ».

The confusion is somewhat understandable given Sheffield United are currently bottom of the table, having won only three games this season and conceding more goals than any other team. And that porous back line was put to the sword during a devastating opening half against Arsenal, who went in at the break leading 5-0.

Managers usually wait until after the full-time whistle to share a drink with one another if the mood strikes. But Wilder wondered whether his opponent had been partaking in some pre-game punch, reports the Daily Star.

The Gunners' performance on the pitch during Monday's first half was impressive, with Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli all scoring. Bukayo Saka also caused Jayden Bogle to score an own-goal before Ben White added a sixth for Arsenal in the second half.

Referee whose 'monumental error' gifted Liverpool Premier League title boost gets Arsenal role

Former referee backs Arsenal complaints amid Liverpool's late winner at Nottingham Forest

Arteta, who is 41, might have been referring to Wilder's first stint with Sheffield United. During that time, he took the Blades