Jon Obi Mikel says Arsenal are 'trying to cheat' to win Premier League

Jon Obi Mikel launched a scathing attack on Arsenal, saying the Premier League leaders are "trying to cheat their way" to a first title in decades. The Nigerian, who won two league crowns at Chelsea, called the Gunners' reliance on physical set-pieces "illegal" and "ugly" to watch, even as Mikel Arteta's side sit top of the table.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Mikel questioned the club's tactical direction given its transfer outlay: "You've spent almost a billion, Mikel Arteta... And you're telling me the only way you can win games is through corner kicks? It's ridiculous." He accused the team of depending "solely, solely on corner kicks." Arsenal have scored a league-high 21 goals from set-pieces this season, and only 35 of their 100 goals in all competitions have come from open play.

Mikel argued that the squad's creative potential has been sidelined and that fans tolerate it only because the team sit top of the league.

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