Former John Obi Mikel has launched a sharp criticism of Arsenal, accusing the club of pushing the limits of the rules and attempting to “cheat their way” to the Premier League title through controversial set-piece tactics.

The former Chelsea FC midfielder did not hold back during a recent punditry appearance, where he argued that Arsenal’s style of play has become overly reliant on corner kicks and set pieces rather than creativity in open play. According to Mikel, the North London club’s approach raises questions about whether their tactics during corners cross the line into illegal play.

Arsenal have been highly effective from set pieces this season. The Gunners have scored 21 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League, the highest total among all teams in the competition. In all competitions, the club has reached 100 goals, with 35 of those coming from open play, highlighting the significant role that dead-ball situations have played in their attacking success.

Despite the impressive numbers, Mikel believes the strategy reflects a lack of creativity considering the resources available to the team. He pointed out the heavy investment made by manager Mikel Arteta since taking charge of the club.

“When I watch Arsenal play right now, they depend solely on corner kicks,” Mikel said. “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. They win it ugly.”

The Nigerian football legend argued that fans have tolerated the style largely because the team currently sits at the top of the league table.

“The only reason why the Arsenal fans are not complaining with the style of football that they’re playing is because they’re top of the league,” he said. “If they’re not top of the league, they will complain that they’re not enjoying the type of football that they’re playing.”

Criticism of Arsenal’s attacking style

Mikel also claimed that Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces has overshadowed the natural attacking flair of some of their most talented players. He mentioned several key stars who are known for creativity and pace but whom he believes are not being used to their full potential.

Players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Ødegaard have the ability to create chances in open play, he said, but Arsenal’s current approach reduces their influence.

“The creativity that they have, the potential that they have, it’s all gone out of the window,” Mikel said. “We don’t see them anymore because they depend solely on corner kicks.”

Claims of illegal set-piece tactics

The former midfielder went even further, accusing Arsenal players of committing fouls during corner kicks by obstructing defenders and the goalkeeper.

According to Mikel, the team frequently uses physical blocking tactics that prevent opponents from jumping or challenging for the ball.

“It’s illegal,” he said. “Every time I watch them doing corner kicks and set pieces, what they do during set pieces, for me, it’s illegal. You can’t do that.”

He argued that players often impede the goalkeeper or hold defenders in order to create space for teammates to score.

“First of all, they’re impeding the goalkeeper, and now they start holding players,” Mikel explained. “When you hold a player, when you impede a player from jumping, that’s a foul.”

Mikel cited Arsenal’s recent match against Chelsea FC as an example. During that game, he claimed Declan Rice was grabbing an opponent to stop him from jumping for the ball.

“I watched the game against Chelsea,” he said. “Declan Rice was grabbing the left back, Jorrel Hato. He was holding him so he couldn’t jump.”

Calls for action from referees

Mikel questioned why referees and video officials have not intervened more often to stop such incidents. He suggested that the authorities responsible for officiating should review the tactics and take action.

In particular, he called on Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing in English football, to address the issue before other teams start copying the same approach.

“For me, how can the referee not see that?” he asked. “Even if the ball goes in, how can VAR not see that?”

“If they don’t stop this, the whole bunch of teams are going to start doing it,” he warned.

“Trying to cheat their way to the title”

Mikel believes Arsenal’s approach reflects the intense pressure the club faces to finally end its long wait for another league championship.

The Gunners last won the English top-flight title in 2003–04 Premier League, famously completing the season unbeaten under Arsène Wenger.

According to Mikel, the long drought has created desperation within the club.

“That’s a team that is desperate to win the Premier League,” he said. “They know they haven’t won it for more than 20 years, and now they’re so desperate they want to cheat their way through it.”

“Win it the right way, play the game the right way, and win the game legally,” he added.

Arsenal’s strong position in the title race

Despite the criticism, Arsenal remain in a strong position in the title race. The club currently sits seven points ahead of Manchester City, although they have played one game more than the defending champions.

With eight matches remaining in the season, the Gunners are edging closer to their first league title in more than two decades. Their ability to score from set pieces has been a key factor in maintaining that lead.

However, Mikel’s comments have added fuel to an ongoing debate among fans and pundits about whether Arsenal’s tactical approach represents smart innovation—or a style that pushes the limits of the rules. ⚽