Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal push for the Premier League crown is attracting bold predictions as they sit atop the English Premier League table with 22 points…
Former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi insists Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal must finally go all the way this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Gunners have been praised by the former Super Eagles captain for their squad depth as they continue to challenge at the top end of the table.
That confidence is also reflected within the club. Arteta’s side recently defeated Crystal Palace and extended their lead at the Premier League summit.
Mikel Obi: Ex-Super Eagles star on Arsenal’s title chase
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi said Arsenal now possesses the strongest squad in football—not just in England but worldwide.
“This season I think it’s Arsenal’s. It’s Arsenal’s to lose. It’s Arsenal’s to lose. If Mikel Arteta and Arsenal don’t win the Premier League, the squad, the depth that they have is frightening.”
Mikel Arteta the Arsenal manager applauds the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, Manchester, England. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
According to him, the Gunners’ bench is stacked with match-winners capable of changing games at crucial moments, which makes it impossible to justify falling short again.
“They have the best squad, not just in the Premier League, not just in England… In world football right now, I bet you there’s no better squad. Depth squad. Name one squad—you’re not talking about the 11 that start—what do you have on the bench that comes in and win games? Arsenal, it’s not better sometimes. It’s not just the starting 11 that wins your game; it’s who you bring off the bench.” Said the former Chelsea star
Speaking further, the former midfielder touched on the impact players coming into games late have made for the team.
Mikel Obi added: “We’ve seen Arsenal; how many games have they won—you know, Martinelli coming off the bench, winning them games. [Eberechi] Eze is coming off the bench, winning games. [Mikel] Merino as well is injured… [Kai] Havertz is injured… No [Martin] Ødegaard, no Gabriel Jesus. It’s frightening. Yeah, the squad that Arsenal has got right now… and Mikel Arteta knows that. He knows that. He knows that this is Arsenal’s title to lose.”
John Obi Mikel (NGA), JUN 26, 2018 [Photo credit/Imago]
The ex-midfielder stressed that with Manchester City not at their peak and Liverpool struggling to retain the title, Arsenal are facing the best opportunity to end their long title drought.
“If he doesn’t win it—if Mikel Arteta does not win it—listen, any Arsenal fan can agree with me. They can get upset as much as they want, but deep down they know it’s the truth. Yeah, this is the season. This is the season for Arsenal to win the Premier League. City, it’s not there. Liverpool’s struggling.”
Watch Mikel Obi voice out about Arsenal’s title chance:
Arsenal’s victory over Crystal Palace has kept them at the top of the table with traits that have drawn praise all season.
Arsenal’s David Raya, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second leg match at the Emirates Stadium. Photo by Icon Sport
However, the win came at a cost, with William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Martinelli all facing fitness assessments after knocks and discomfort.
Arteta has reiterated that the team will need every available player as the campaign intensifies, but the confidence around the Emirates remains high.
