Mikel Obi calls out PL officials in Arsenal's win over Chelsea

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has called out the poor officiating on display in the London derby last weekend, Afrik Foot reports.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal welcomed Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, but the football on display wasn’t pleasing to the eye.

The Gunners sealed a 2-1 win against Liam Rosenior’s side, but all of the goals were scored from set-pieces.

In the buildup to Chelsea’s goal, Declan Rice committed a foul, but the referee, Darren England, didn’t deem the contact enough for a penalty kick.

Jurrien Timber heads the second goal during the Arsenal vs Chelsea Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium — Jurrien Timber scored the second goal during the Arsenal vs Chelsea Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. Photo by IMAGO

Mikel Obi weighs in on the poor display in Arsenal vs Chelsea clash

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the AFCON 2013 winner aired his concerns about the huge decline in the quality of a supposed ‘high-stakes’ game between two big clubs.

“It was tough to watch, painful in the eyes for me to see something like that. There wasn’t a lot going on. You expect to see a lot more from both teams,” Mikel said.

“Yes, Arsenal won, but they were horrible to watch. There was no creativity in the team. They’re cheating.

Mikel Obi and John Terry celebrating Chelsea's title triumph — Mikel Obi and John Terry celebrating Chelsea’s title triumph. Photo by IMAGO

“Are you telling me those corner kicks are legal? Declan Rice, grabbing Joao Pedro? It comes down to the officials. What is allowed and what isn’t?

“When I saw the corner kicks, it was chaos, and that’s what Arsenal want. It’s a nightmare. You can’t allow that to happen week in week out.

“They want to win at all costs, but this is becoming a recurring theme. It’s boring to watch, and it’s a boring way of winning the title.

William Saliba and Cole Palmer during the Arsenal vs Chelsea Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. Photo by IMAGO

“I know they’re desperate, and everyone has tipped them to win it, but now they’re cheating their way to a title.

“When you hold players and impede goalkeepers, it’s cheating, it’s a foul,” the ex-Super Eagles captain concluded.

🤬 ‘THEY ARE CHEATS’

Arsenal, the set piece masters? @mikel_john_obi is having none of it as he eviscerates the Gunners’ over reliance on dead ball situations. 👀 pic.twitter.com/1XiP8dFR65

— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) March 3, 2026