'Two players in every position' - Mikel reveals strongest PL squad between Arsenal and Liverpool

Former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel has given his verdict on the Premier League title race, backing his former club Chelsea, alongside Liverpool and Arsenal, as the strongest contenders for the 2025-26 crown.

Mikel tipped Chelsea and Liverpool as the teams most likely to go head-to-head for the title, while also insisting that Arsenal's depth leaves Mikel Arteta with no excuses in his pursuit of major honours.

"I think it's between Liverpool and Chelsea, we have a good chance of winning it," Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.

"Right now if you look at what team you think can beat Liverpool, I say Chelsea the way we play. We are the best team in terms of playing out from the back."

Mikel, who won multiple trophies during his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, praised the influence of Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, crediting the Italian for transforming the team's style and mentality.

"The way Enzo Maresca has got this team playing out from the back, it doesn't matter how much you press our players, we have the belief, we have the braveness to play it out from the back.

"We are the team that can be able to hurt this Liverpool side. We can be there come the end of the season so it's between us and Liverpool."

However, while identifying Chelsea and Liverpool as the standout rivals, Mikel insisted that Arsenal cannot be overlooked.

"Arsenal always will be there. Mikel Arteta, I have to say and to all Arsenal fans, I'm sure right now they also believe that this is the time, this is the season," he said.

The former midfielder was full of praise for Arsenal's hierarchy, highlighting the significant investment made to strengthen the squad over the summer.

"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 added.

Having assessed Arsenal's position, Mikel insisted that the time for excuses has passed.

"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, and winning the League Cup or FA Cup is not going to do it."

Mikel's remarks underline the growing expectation on Arsenal, who have shown steady improvement under Arteta but are yet to convert that progress into a Premier League title.

With key summer signings boosting their depth, and Arteta entering his fifth full season, pressure is mounting to deliver on both domestic and European fronts.

Wale Adejumo

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