John Obi Mikel, a veteran of the highest levels of football, unequivocally identifies Arsenal as the team to beat this season – not just in England, but across Europe. He believes their current form isn’t simply a promising start, but a declaration of intent.
According to Mikel, Arsenal’s squad isn’t merely good; it’s the best assembled in world football. The depth available to Mikel Arteta is, in his assessment, genuinely “frightening,” surpassing any other team’s ability to bring game-changing quality off the bench.
He points to recent victories fueled by impactful substitutions – players like Martinelli seizing crucial moments – as evidence of this potent advantage. This isn’t about just a strong starting eleven, but a collective capable of consistently dictating outcomes, regardless of who takes the field. Mikel firmly believes this is Arsenal’s title to lose.
Currently four points clear at the Premier League summit, Arsenal’s success has drawn some scrutiny regarding their goal-scoring methods. A portion of their goals have come from set-pieces, leading to questions about their attacking fluidity.
However, Mikel dismisses such concerns with a pragmatic perspective. He argues that the manner of victory is secondary to the result itself. “It doesn’t matter how you score, it doesn’t matter how you win games,” he stated, emphasizing the ultimate goal: securing the championship.
Despite the reliance on set-pieces, Mikel acknowledges the sheer attacking talent at Arteta’s disposal. He lists a formidable array of players – Declan Rice, Saka, Martinelli, and others – and insists that a team with such creative firepower *must* find ways to unlock defenses through open play.
He acknowledges the significant investment – over a billion pounds spent over several years – and believes that financial commitment demands a more diverse range of attacking solutions. Yet, he offers a respectful nod to Arsenal’s ability to consistently find a way to win, regardless of the method.
Beyond domestic dominance, Mikel envisions Arsenal making a serious challenge for Champions League glory. He senses a profound shift in mentality within the squad, a burgeoning belief that this is finally their moment. He describes a palpable feeling that Arsenal are, at long last, truly ready to compete at the very highest level.
