Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has taken aim at Arsenal’s performances this season, insisting their 2-1 win over Chelsea did little to impress him.

Arsenal claimed all three points in Sunday’s Premier League derby, but Mikel Obi was far from convinced. The ex-Chelsea midfielder accused Mikel Arteta of leaning too heavily on set pieces and failing to unlock the attacking talent at his disposal.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel said the Premier League match lacked the spark and intensity he once relished in London derbies.

“When you enter derbies, these are matches I used to eagerly anticipate playing in because they are filled with excitement and joy,” Mikel stated.

“When I observe these local derbies now, rivalry matches that should yield much, there ought to be a significant display of creativity and potential.

“That is the complete experience we used to relish. However, watching the game the other day was challenging. It was painful for me to witness.”

Despite the win, Mikel argued Arsenal’s display lacked flair and attacking invention.

“There wasn’t much happening because one would expect to see significantly more action from the teams,” he said.

“Yes, they won the match, but Arsenal were difficult to watch; there was a lack of creativity within the team. There was no excitement, nothing at all.”

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner also questioned Arsenal’s attacking blueprint, pointing to what he believes is an overdependence on dead-ball situations.

“You have all these creative players that you have in the team, that you brought to the club,” Mikel Obi said.

“You invested a substantial amount of money to bring these players into the club, yet you still cannot find a way to win matches without set-pieces.

“They have relied entirely on set-pieces and corner kicks to secure victories. They have netted sixteen goals from corner kicks this season. I do not foresee Arsenal winning matches without corner kicks.”