Former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has revealed he was convinced as early as October that Arsenal would win the Premier League title, a feat the club achieved after a 22-year wait. The Gunners secured the English top-flight crown with 85 points, finishing seven points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, sparking joy among fans worldwide. Oliseh, speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, highlighted the team’s defensive strength and tactical discipline under manager Mikel Arteta as key factors in his early prediction.
Oliseh emphasized that football success is not solely determined by attacking prowess, but by defensive organization and team cohesion. “It’s pleasant for me to say it was obvious they were going to be champions as of October,” he stated. He pointed out that many fans and analysts overlook the importance of solid defense, which Arsenal consistently demonstrated throughout the season. Under Arteta’s guidance, the team maintained a disciplined structure that allowed them to grind out results even in challenging matches.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder praised Arteta’s leadership and tactical approach, noting that while the Spanish coach may not be known for flamboyant attacking strategies, his organizational skills are exceptional. “At Arsenal, the manager is not someone that I would say he has got a lot of creativity when it comes to being creative or putting the flair on how to finish up,” Oliseh said. “But one thing he has is the organization.” He added that Arteta’s ability to build a united and disciplined squad, despite early criticism, was crucial to their success.
Oliseh also commended Arteta’s bold decisions in reshaping the squad, including the departure of former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the appointment of Martin Ødegaard as the new captain. He explained that these moves helped Arteta establish authority and control within the dressing room. “He got rid of the players like Aubameyang had to go and he gave the captaincy to a player, look where he is from,” Oliseh noted. “From the part of the world where he is from, there are players that are never withdrawn. And when he is your captain and he is saying yes coach, you can now be able to mold the team to the way you want.”
The former Ajax midfielder also acknowledged the patience shown by Arsenal’s management in supporting Arteta through previous seasons where the team finished as runners-up. “Let’s not forget the management had patience to give him all these years to be taking second,” Oliseh remarked. “They have done great, many people don’t like the man but he doesn’t care and he shouldn’t care, that’s my opinion.” His comments reflect a growing recognition of Arteta’s long-term vision and steady progress at the Emirates.
As Arsenal celebrates their first Premier League title in over two decades, Oliseh’s insights underscore the importance of consistency, leadership, and strategic decision-making in achieving sustained success. The triumph marks a new chapter for the club, and with Arteta at the helm, the foundation is set for future dominance in English football.
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