John Obi Mikel has stirred major debate in the football world after claiming that Arsenal did not fully deserve to win the Premier League title this season, despite eventually finishing at the top of the table.
The former Chelsea midfielder made the controversial remarks during a football discussion show, where he reflected on Arsenal’s campaign under Mikel Arteta. While Mikel acknowledged that Arsenal had shown consistency and determination throughout the season, he insisted that other teams played better football at certain stages of the campaign and were unfortunate not to capitalize on key moments.
According to reports surrounding the interview, Mikel said Arsenal “took advantage of the mistakes around them” rather than completely dominating the league from start to finish. He reportedly argued that although champions always deserve credit for getting over the line, this particular title race was influenced heavily by inconsistent performances from rival clubs.
The former Nigerian international suggested that Manchester City and even Liverpool had periods during the season where they looked like stronger sides overall. However, he admitted that Arsenal’s ability to remain mentally focused in the final months ultimately made the difference.
Mikel’s comments immediately generated reactions from supporters across social media. Arsenal fans were quick to defend their team’s achievements, pointing out that winning the Premier League requires quality, discipline, and consistency across an entire season. Many supporters argued that the league table never lies and that Arsenal earned their title through hard work and improvement under Arteta.
Others, however, understood Mikel’s perspective and interpreted his remarks as criticism of the overall quality of the title race rather than a direct attack on Arsenal themselves. Some pundits noted that several major clubs struggled with injuries, inconsistency, and fixture congestion during crucial periods of the campaign, opening the door for Arsenal to finally take advantage.
Despite the criticism, Mikel reportedly praised several Arsenal players individually. He is believed to have highlighted the importance of Declan Rice in midfield, describing the England international as one of the most influential signings in the Premier League over the last few years. According to Mikel, Rice brought leadership, composure, and physicality to Arsenal’s midfield during the most important matches of the season.
The former midfielder also reportedly praised Bukayo Saka for continuing to deliver in high-pressure situations. Mikel admitted that Saka has developed into one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players and said Arsenal’s success would have been difficult without his goals and creativity.
Still, Mikel maintained that Arsenal were not overwhelmingly superior to every other side in the league. He reportedly pointed to matches earlier in the campaign where Arteta’s team struggled to control games and relied on late goals or defensive resilience to secure victories.
According to Mikel, truly dominant champions usually “control the league from beginning to end,” something he believes Arsenal did not consistently do this season. Nevertheless, he admitted that winning difficult matches when not playing at your best is often the mark of champions.
Arteta, meanwhile, has received enormous praise for transforming Arsenal into title winners after years of rebuilding. Since taking charge at the Emirates Stadium, the Spanish coach has reshaped the squad, introduced a clear tactical identity, and restored belief among supporters.
This season, Arsenal combined attacking quality with defensive discipline, something that had often been missing in previous campaigns. Their ability to remain calm during the pressure of the title run-in proved crucial, especially against teams fighting for European qualification or survival.
Mikel’s remarks also reignited discussions about what truly defines a deserving champion in modern football. Some analysts argued that consistency over 38 matches is the only thing that matters, while others claimed dominance, style of play, and overall control should also shape perceptions of greatness.
Former players and pundits have since weighed in on the debate, with many defending Arsenal’s achievement. Several pointed out that every title-winning side benefits from moments of fortune during a season, including injuries to rivals or unexpected dropped points elsewhere. What matters most, they argued, is having the mentality to capitalize on those opportunities.
Arsenal supporters also reminded critics that their team faced enormous pressure throughout the campaign, especially after narrowly missing out on the title in previous seasons. This time, Arteta’s squad showed maturity and resilience, qualities that many believe make them worthy champions.
Mikel’s relationship with Arsenal supporters has often been complicated due to his strong Chelsea background. During his playing career, he was involved in numerous heated London derbies and became known for his competitive mentality against Arsenal. His latest comments therefore added extra fuel to the debate online.
Despite the controversy, many observers believe Mikel’s remarks were intended more as football analysis than disrespect. The former midfielder has built a reputation for speaking honestly about the game, even when his opinions divide supporters.
As celebrations continue around the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s players and fans are unlikely to care too much about outside criticism. After years of chasing Manchester City and falling short in previous campaigns, lifting the Premier League trophy represented a massive moment in the club’s modern history.
Whether critics believe Arsenal dominated the season or simply managed the pressure better than everyone else, one fact remains unchanged: Arteta’s side finished top of the table and secured the biggest prize in English football.