Mikel Tells Arteta How Arsenal Can Beat Man City

Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that motivation and individual responsibility will be crucial if the Gunners are to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City.

Arsenal’s title push took a blow on Saturday after a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. The result left them with just one win from their last four matches in all competitions, increasing the pressure on Arteta and his players at a key stage of the season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City reduced the gap at the top of the table to six points with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

City now host Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday in what could be a defining game in the title race. With momentum beginning to shift, Mikel believes Arteta must quickly restore belief inside the squad and get his players to take greater ownership on the pitch.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel argued that Arsenal currently look short on ideas and personality in decisive moments. He suggested that too few players are willing to step forward and dictate proceedings when the team is under pressure. In his assessment, the lack of a clear on-pitch leader is costing Arsenal valuable points.

He said Arteta’s first task is to reignite the group mentally, especially after a run that has exposed some fragility. Rather than relying solely on structure and tactics, Mikel feels Arsenal need one or two players prepared to carry the team through difficult spells, create chances and demand the ball when things are not flowing.

The former Nigeria captain’s comments underline a familiar theme in Arsenal’s title challenges: technical quality is not enough if the team cannot consistently impose itself in high-pressure moments.

With a Champions League semi-final place also on the line this week, Arteta faces a demanding stretch that will test both his squad’s mentality and their ambition.