Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi has stirred the pot in the Premier League title race, launching a fiery critique of Arsenal’s tactics.
The ex-Chelsea star controversially claimed that the Gunners are “cheating” their way to the trophy, insisting that their reliance on set-pieces is an “illegal” way to win games.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Mikel Obi didn’t hold back as he addressed Arsenal’s seven-point lead at the top of the table (though they have played one more game than Manchester City).
While the rest of the football world praises Mikel Arteta’s men for their defensive solidity and dead-ball mastery, the Nigerian legend sees it as a blight on the sport.
“They’ve cheated their way to winning the Premier League,” Mikel Obi said. “So I wouldn’t recognize them as winners, because for me it’s illegal the way they’re winning games.”
He doubled down on his frustration, calling on the league to intervene to stop the “dark arts” of corner kicks and free-kicks.
“It’s illegal unless the Premier League right now, from this weekend, stamp that out. We don’t want to see that in the game,” he added.
The comments have sparked a wave of reactions online, with Arsenal fans pointing out that goals from set-pieces count just as much as open-play strikes, while rival fans enjoy the spicy take on the title racef
