Mikel: Only Liverpool and Chelsea Can Win the Premier League This Season

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi has weighed in on the Premier League title race, declaring that only Liverpool and Chelsea have what it takes to lift the trophy this season, despite acknowledging Arsenal’s impressive squad depth.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel praised Mikel Arteta’s side for their ambitious summer transfer window, which saw the Gunners spend over £250 million on eight new signings.

Among them was Viktor Gyökeres, brought in from Sporting Lisbon to solve Arsenal’s long-standing striker dilemma. The club also added Martin Zubimendi to reinforce midfield, replacing Thomas Partey, and bolstered their attacking options with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.

‘The club again, the owners, the hierarchies have gone out again and massively backed Mikel Arteta. They have the strongest squad in the Premier League, them and Liverpool. In terms of depth, Arsenal has the strongest, two players in every position,’ Mikel said.

Despite that, Mikel believes Arsenal’s time hasn’t quite arrived.

‘Arteta knows there is no excuse and I’m happy he’s come out and said it. He has to win the Premier League or Champions League. Winning the League Cup or FA Cup is not going to do it.’

Instead, Mikel sees the title race boiling down to two clubs: defending champions Liverpool and his former team, Chelsea.

Liverpool have started the season flawlessly, winning all three of their opening matches and adding striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle on deadline day.

Chelsea, meanwhile, remain unbeaten and sit second in the table, riding high after a summer that included winning the Club World Cup.

‘I think it’s between Liverpool and Chelsea, and we have a good chance of winning it. Right now, if you look at what team you think can beat Liverpool, I say Chelsea, the way we play,’ Mikel said.

‘We are the team that can hurt this Liverpool side. We can be there come the end of the season, so it’s between us and Liverpool.’