John Obi Mikel blasts Arsenal set piece tactics amid title push

John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing criticism of Arsenal, accusing Mikel Arteta’s side of trying to “cheat” their way to the Premier League title with their set piece tactics.

Arsenal sit seven points clear at the top, helped by an impressive 16 goals from corners this season, but the former Chelsea midfielder believes much of their success comes from actions officials should not allow.

“We used to park the bus, yes, but we won legally,” Mikel said, arguing that Arsenal rely too heavily on dead-ball routines despite spending heavily on their squad. He claims their players consistently impede goalkeepers and hold defenders during corners, calling those movements “illegal” and insisting referees and VAR should intervene.

Mikel pointed to a game against Chelsea where he felt Declan Rice clearly grabbed the fullback to stop him jumping, questioning how both the referee and VAR missed the incident.

He urged PGMOL to clamp down urgently, warning that “a whole bunch of teams” will copy Arsenal’s approach if nothing changes. “So that is what I mean, that Arsenal are trying to cheat their way to winning the Premier League,” Mikel concluded, stressing his belief that the current interpretation of set piece battles is wrong.
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