Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes 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, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates against Bournemouth, Arsenal are now left with a dwindling six-point lead after 32 matches, with Manchester City closing in with two games in hand.
Manchester City took full advantage of Arsenal’s slip-up with a statement 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, reigniting the title race. If the Cityzens beat Arsenal in their next league game and win their outstanding fixture, they will draw level on points with the Gunners.
Arsenal have not won the league since 2004, and having seen the title slip away in the past three seasons, Mikel has advised manager Mikel Arteta to motivate his squad and reduce micromanagement if they are to secure the title this season.
Since the loss to Bournemouth, Arsenal have faced criticism from fans, with some labelling them “bottlers” due to their struggles in crucial moments.
Mikel agrees with some of the criticism but believes Arsenal can still win the title if they improve in the final games of the campaign.
“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, there’s nobody willing to take responsibility on the pitch. There’s nobody 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 are 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.
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