Mikel: Arsenal ‘cheating’ in title race

John Obi Mikel has slammed Arsenal’s tactical approach under manager Mikel Arteta, claiming the Gunners are “cheating” their way to win the Premier League title.

Arsenal currently sit seven points clear at the top of the league table as they chase their first title in 22 years.

Arteta’s side have become particularly effective from set-pieces in recent seasons, especially corners, earning them the nickname “Set Piece FC” among rival supporters, a label many Arsenal fans have also embraced.

However, the former Chelsea midfielder rejected comparisons between the current Arsenal side and the Chelsea team he played in under José Mourinho.

Mikel said he would struggle to recognise Arsenal as Premier League champions because, in his view, they are winning games “illegally,” referring specifically to their dominance from set-pieces.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said:

“They’ve cheated their way to winning the Premier League.

“So I wouldn’t recognise them as winners, because for me it’s illegal the way they’re winning games.

“It’s illegal unless the Premier League right now, from this weekend, stamps that out. We don’t want to see that in the game.”

Arsenal hold a seven-point lead over Manchester City, although they have played one game more.

The 38-year-old former Nigerian international, who won the Premier League title with Chelsea under Mourinho in 2015, argued that his former team’s defensive approach was different.

“We used to park the bus, yes, but we won legally,” Mikel said.

“When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely on corner kicks.

“You have spent almost a billion, Mikel Arteta, almost a billion. And you’re telling me the only way you can win games is through corner kicks? It’s ridiculous.”