Posted by Chinenye on Tue 14th Apr, 2026 - tori.ng
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has reignited the fiery London rivalry, declaring on his Obi One Podcast that no one associated with the Blues—past or present—ever wants to see Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has stated that neither fans nor former players of the club would be in favour of Arsenal claiming the Premier League title. Mikel made the remark on his Obi One Podcast released on Monday as the Premier League title race intensifies, insisting that the long-standing rivalry between both London clubs makes such support impossible.
He stated that no former Chelsea player or supporter would ever wish to see Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy.
Responding to criticism from Arsenal supporters, Mikel dismissed claims that such sentiments reflect a “small club” mentality. He recalled that interactions between players and fans of both clubs were often hostile, even outside match settings.
To all Arsenal fans saying, ‘Mikel, you are too harsh on us,’ I’m Chelsea, and you can take it personally. I don’t want you to win the Premier League.
"There was intense mutual dislike between us; the rivalry was fierce back in those days. We gave each other a real beating. And when I went out after the games in London or whenever it was, when I saw Arsenal fans or players, we never spoke to each other. Sometimes, even our friends got into fights.”
He also warned that if Arsenal fails to win the Premier League this season, it would be the biggest disaster in the history of the competition for the Gunners.
“These Arsenal players, they have to understand that this is their probably, if they don’t win it (Premier League) this season. It’s probably going to be the biggest disaster in the history of the Premier League for them.
“It’s going to be the biggest disaster for them because right now, if they had won that game [against Bournemouth] on Saturday. It will be 12 points.
"They eased up over the weekend, and Manchester City seized the moment, cutting the gap to just 6 points."
"Arteta must figure out a solution, because right now they look like a team that are out of sorts; they don’t know what to do, and he [Arteta] looks out of ideas.”
Arsenal missed the chance to extend their lead at the weekend after a shock 2–1 defeat to Bournemouth, while Manchester City closed the gap with a 3–0 win over Chelsea.
With only six matches left to play, Arsenal sit top of the table with a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Both sides are set to meet this weekend in what could prove decisive in the title race.