Ex-Chelsea Star Brands Arsenal ‘Cheats’ in Set-Piece Rant

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal’s tactics, claiming the Gunners are “trying to cheat their way to the Premier League” through what he calls “illegal” set-piece play.

The Nigerian, who won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, delivered an explosive rant on talkSPORT, targeting Arsenal’s physical approach to corners and free-kicks that has helped them build a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

Set-Piece Dependency Under Fire

Arsenal have scored 21 goals from set-pieces in the league this season, more than any other team. According to their website, 35 of their 100 goals in all competitions have come from open play – a statistic that has drawn Mikel’s ire.

“When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely, 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,”

Mikel specifically criticized what he perceives as holding and impeding during set-pieces, citing incidents involving Declan Rice and claiming referees and VAR are failing to spot infractions.

“Desperate” Tactics After Two Decades

The former midfielder suggested Arsenal’s approach stems from desperation after failing to win the Premier League for over two decades.

“That’s a team that is desperate of winning the Premier League, because they know that they haven’t won the Premier League for the last 22 years, 23 years. And now they’re so desperate, they want to cheat their way through it,”

Mikel went further, claiming he would not recognize Arsenal as legitimate champions if they maintain their current style. He also suggested the club has stifled creative talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard in favor of set-piece reliance.

League-Wide Issue

Arsenal are not alone in facing scrutiny over set-piece physicality. Everton recently drew criticism for their approach against Manchester United, while Liverpool boss Arne Slot has claimed most matches are no longer a “joy to watch.” West Ham’s Nuno Espirito Santo has called the situation “absolutely crazy” and urged a review.

The Premier League has seen a higher proportion of set-piece goals than any other top-five European league this season. With Arsenal eight matches away from potentially ending their title drought, the debate over their tactics is likely to intensify as they close in on what would be their first Premier League crown since 2004.