‘Everything that he’s doing is so cringey’ — Super Eagles legend Mikel slams Arteta again

Tensions are rising in the Premier League title race, and John Obi Mikel has once again taken aim at Mikel Arteta as Arsenal’s form begins to wobble.

The former Super Eagles captain questioned both the manager’s demeanour and his handling of pressure.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel criticised Arteta’s body language and decision-making following Arsenal’s recent struggles, particularly their damaging loss to Manchester City.

“Just calm down, mate; enjoy it; relax. You’ve worked so hard to be in this position, don’t be rattled. He is rattled,” Mikel said.

He went further to compare Arteta with City boss Pep Guardiola, suggesting there is a clear difference in experience and control.

“When you look at both managers, you can see who’s been there, who’s done it, the experience, having the know-how. How to play down situations, how to control situations. Both managers are dealing with it very differently.”

According to Mikel, Arsenal now appear to be lacking the calm authority needed in a title run-in, with the pressure beginning to show on their manager.

The former Chelsea midfielder was even more critical when addressing Arteta’s recent public appearances and comments, particularly after Arsenal’s slip against Bournemouth.

“On one hand, you have one manager [Arteta], who is absolutely rattled, who’s lost control of his dressing room. He looks tense. Even when he tries to be calm, he’s faking it. It’s not natural,” Mikel stated.

He did not stop there, adding: “Everything that he’s doing is so cringey. It’s not nice to see him. He needs to relax. He needs to stop coming out with these quotes week in, week out, days before games. Just be calm Arteta, relax. Answer the questions, just act normal. This is the time that you need to be calm.”

Mikel’s comments come at a delicate moment for Arsenal, who have seen their once-commanding lead at the top shrink dramatically.

After holding a nine-point advantage, the Gunners now sit just three points ahead of Manchester City, having played a game more, leaving the title race finely poised and the pressure firmly on Arteta.