John Obi Mikel, who spent 11 years at Chelsea and won the Premier League title twice, launched a fierce attack on Arsenal during a TV show, accusing the Gunners of “cheating” in their bid for the Premier League title. The former Chelsea midfielder claimed that Arsenal now rely entirely on set pieces to win games, describing their tactics as “against the rules” and “ugly”.
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table by 7 points and are on the verge of ending their 22-year wait for a league title. Mikel played for Chelsea for more than a decade and faced Arsenal numerous times. He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and one Champions League title with the Blues.
During the show, Mikel fumed: “When I watch Arsenal play, I see they only rely on corners. Mikel Arteta, you’ve spent almost £1 billion, and you’re telling me the only way you can win games is from corners? It’s ridiculous. The only reason Arsenal fans don’t complain about the style of play is because they’re top of the league.”
Mikel also criticised Arsenal for failing to use their attacking talent properly. He questioned why players like Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze cannot show their technical ability. Mikel added that he would “never accept” Arsenal as Premier League champions if they win the title ahead of Manchester City in this manner.
“All the creativity and potential Arsenal have goes out of the window,” Mikel said. “We no longer see the brilliant performances from Saka, Martinelli, Eze, Odegaard, because the team only depends on corners.”
“If Arsenal win the title this way, I will never accept them as champions. For me, this is cheating. They are winning the Premier League by cheating. The way the Gunners are winning games is against the rules – unless the Premier League steps in to stop it.”
