Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has criticized Arsenal’s recent set-piece tactics, describing them as “illegal.”
The Gunners have been scoring consistently from set pieces, with their set-piece coach regarded as one of the best in the world. In their recent Premier League match against Manchester United, Arsenal netted twice from corner kicks. However, several social media videos have raised concerns over how Arsenal players position themselves around the opposing goalkeeper, obstructing their ability to contest the ball in the air.
Speaking about the match and similar goals scored by Mikel Arteta’s side, Mikel called on referees to intervene.
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“The set pieces, I’ve said it, that’s illegal. Those goals should not stand. What they’re doing to the goalkeeper is illegal,” Mikel said, arguing that Arsenal’s goals against United shouldn’t have counted. “I don’t think that should stand because those players have no intention of playing the ball. What they’re doing is pinning the goalkeeper, obstructing him from coming out.”
He continued, “They actually block him. If a goalkeeper is trying to claim the ball, there’s no chance. They get away with it all the time. It’s incredible. Not just Saliba, but a number of players impede the goalkeeper. For me, that’s illegal. The referees need to cut that out. They should stop it right now, because if they don’t, other clubs will start doing it too.”