Mikel Obi tips Arsenal to retain Premier League title, demands more exciting football

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has tipped Arsenal to retain the Premier League title, although he has appealed to the champions to play more entertaining football.

Speaking to Michael Oti, Mikel said Arsenal's stability and continuity give them an advantage over their major rivals heading into the new season.

The former midfielder believes the Gunners are the most settled among the leading clubs, having kept the core of their squad and their manager while strengthening the team further.

"I think they will go on to defend the title," Mikel said.

He explained that several rival clubs are dealing with uncertainty and changes, while Arsenal have benefited from consistency.

"Arsenal is the team that is steady, stable, settled. I think that's just something that's going to give them the advantage this season,” he added.

However, Mikel said the key question will be how Arsenal defend their crown, urging them to play with greater freedom and excitement.

"The question is, how do they defend? Do they play a more entertaining football, a more exciting football? Or are they going to be boring like they did last year?" he quizzed.

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Mikel was particularly critical of Arsenal's heavy reliance on set pieces, stating that he would prefer to see the team's talented attacking players express themselves more openly.

"We don't want to see the boring Arsenal scoring with set pieces, corner kicks," he added.

The former Chelsea star said the pressure of ending Arsenal's long wait for the league title has now been lifted and believes that should allow the players to play with more freedom.

"Now the pressure of them not winning it in the past 22 years is gone. Now they have to be free. Play with freedom. Defend it with pride,” he stated.

Mikel added that he has no problem with Arsenal winning games in whatever way they choose but wants to see a style of football that is more entertaining for supporters.

"They have the players there. They have the talent to do it. Be free. Express yourself."

He said Arsenal's early performances had shown signs of more exciting football and believes that if they maintain that approach, they could successfully defend their Premier League crown.

🇳🇬 Chelsea and Nigeria legend John Mikel Obi was known for letting his football do the talking during his trophy-laden career. Today, he has become one of football’s most recognisable voices in the media space.

In this exclusive interview, Mikel opens up on his transition into…

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) August 24, 2026

PAH/EB

Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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