Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has publicly criticised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his failure to win major trophies after six years in charge of the North London club.
Arteta, who took over managerial duties at Arsenal in December 2019, has overseen a significant squad overhaul backed by over €700 million in player investments.
However, the only silverware delivered during his tenure remains the FA Cup won in 2020.
Mikel’s remarks come after Arsenal’s disappointing end to the 2024/25 season, in which the Gunners, once again, finished second in the Premier League.
Despite being touted as favourites at the beginning of the campaign, Arsenal fell short in both domestic and European competitions—marking the third consecutive season they have ended as league runners-up.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Mikel Obi questioned Arteta’s managerial credentials, highlighting the lack of tangible success despite consistent top-level performances and heavy financial backing.
“You can’t keep finishing second and call it progress. With the kind of money Arsenal has spent, they should be winning titles,” Mikel stated.
He noted that although the team has made visible improvements in playing style and squad depth, Arteta’s inability to cross the finish line in key competitions remains a major concern.
