John Obi Mikel has stated unequivocally that Chelsea supporters and players will not back Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League title race, citing the intense historical rivalry between the two London clubs as the reason such support is inconceivable.
The former Chelsea midfielder made the comments on his Obi One Podcast, responding directly to Arsenal fans who had accused him of displaying a “small club” mentality. “I’m Chelsea, and you can take it personally. I don’t want you to win the Premier League,” Mikel said. “We hated each other; the rivalry was crazy [back then]. We smashed each other. 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.”
Mikel, who made over 370 appearances for Chelsea between 2006 and 2017 and won two Premier League titles with the club, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the modern history of the west London side. His comments reflect a long-standing animosity that has defined the Chelsea-Arsenal fixture for decades, with both clubs regularly competing at the top of English football during the Roman Abramovich era.
Beyond the tribal loyalties, Mikel also issued a pointed warning to Arsenal regarding their title prospects this season. He suggested that if the Gunners fail to win the Premier League this campaign — particularly after having been in a strong position — it would rank among the most significant collapses in the history of the competition.
Arsenal face Manchester City in a critical fixture this weekend, a match widely viewed as a must-win game for Mikel Arteta’s side. The result is expected to have major consequences for the final shape of the Premier League title race, with the Gunners needing a positive outcome to maintain realistic hopes of ending their long wait for a top-flight title. Arsenal last won the Premier League in the 2003-04 season, famously going the entire campaign unbeaten.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are seeking to defend their domestic dominance despite a turbulent season that has seen them fall some way short of their usual consistency. The contest adds further intrigue to a title race that has remained unpredictable through much of the campaign.
Mikel’s intervention adds a high-profile voice to the conversation around Arsenal’s title challenge at a pivotal moment in the season. As a former player with direct experience of London derby football at the highest level, his perspective carries weight among supporters and pundits alike, even if it is openly partisan in nature.
