Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, on Wednesday, said he believed Arsenal look like a team that has run out of ideas in the Premier League title race, as the Gunners risk losing their advantage at the top.
Obi, who spoke after Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the Emirates to Bournemouth, said Arsenal now has a shrinking six-point advantage after 32 matches, while Manchester City is approaching with two games in hand.
Manchester City capitalised on Arsenal’s mistake by securing a decisive 3-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday, reviving the title contest.
Should the Cityzens defeat Arsenal in their upcoming league match and secure victory in their pending fixture, they will equal the Gunners on points.
Arsenal last claimed the league title in 2004. After watching the Premier League evade them for the last three years, Mikel has urged manager Mikel Arteta to inspire his team and minimise micromanagement to clinch the title this season.
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Following the defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal has received backlash from supporters, with some referring to them as “bottlers” because of their difficulties in key situations.
Mikel acknowledges certain criticisms but is confident that Arsenal can still secure the title if they enhance their performance in the remaining matches of the season
“Arteta has to find a way to motivate this team,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast.
“For me, they look like a team that has run out of ideas. They have no clue. When you watch this Arsenal side, nobody is willing to take responsibility on the pitch. Nobody is willing to be ‘that guy’ who says, ‘I’m going to create the chances; I’m going to make us play well.’”
He compared Arsenal’s style to City’s, highlighting the difference in attacking freedom.
“It’s different when you watch City. They have so many players who get you off your seat, players you’d pay your hard-earned money to watch: Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva. But when I watch this Arsenal side, name me one player right now who truly excites you. Nobody. Absolutely zero.”
Mikel also said Arteta’s system may be limiting key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
“Bukayo is that guy, but the way Mikel has structured this team has taken so much away from the creative players. We know what Ødegaard and Saka can do, but none of them is doing it right now.
They are missing something. I think Arteta has coached the flair out of them. When they go on the pitch now, they don’t know how to express their quality because they feel the manager isn’t letting them. It’s very static, boring, and even pathetic to watch. Motivation and freedom are the keys.”
With six games left, the title race remains open. This weekend’s clash between Manchester City and Arsenal could play a decisive role in determining where the trophy will be decided.
