Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, praising Mikel Arteta’s squad as the most complete and mentally strong team in Europe.
The Gunners currently sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool, who trail by six and seven points respectively.
Mikel, who had previously questioned Arsenal’s ability to handle pressure in title races, admitted that the team’s recent displays have completely changed his perspective.
“Martinelli is coming off the bench, winning those games. Eze is coming off the bench. They are winning games,” the former Chelsea midfielder said on his podcast.
“Merino is injured, Havertz is injured, no Odegaard, no Gabriel Jesus — it’s frightening. The squad Arsenal has right now is unbelievable. Mikel Arteta knows it. This is Arsenal’s title to lose.”
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer also believes Arsenal have a major edge over their rivals in the race for the crown.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer identified defensive stability and set-piece efficiency as the two biggest factors behind Arsenal’s dominance.
“The huge advantage Arsenal have over Liverpool, Man City, and whoever else thinks they can challenge is their defence and set-pieces,” Shearer noted.
“They’re in the driving seat because they can still win games even when they’re not at their best. That comes down to how solid they are at the back and how dangerous they are from set-pieces. That’s why they’ve opened up such a clear lead at the top of the Premier League right now.”
With both Mikel and Shearer in agreement, Arsenal’s balance, depth, and resilience appear to have convinced even their former rivals that this could finally be their year.
