Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that he was convinced as early as October that Arsenal would go on to win the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners sealed the league crown after a 22-year wait for the English top-flight title and sparking celebrations among supporters across the world.
Speaking on Arsenal’s remarkable campaign, Oliseh explained that the club’s defensive organization and discipline under manager Mikel Arteta were the major reasons he believed they were destined to become champions.
“It's pleasant for me to say it was obvious they were going to be champions as of October,” Oliseh said on SuperSport's Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.
“Because you see one thing most people don't try to take note of in football is that, you're not as good as your attacking force, you are as good as your defense.”
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder praised Arteta’s tactical structure and leadership style, noting that the Spanish coach successfully built a disciplined and united squad despite early criticism during his time at the club.
“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,” he added.
“But one thing he has is the organization. One thing he did with this team is that you know I don't have a big name, I came in as an assistant coach, and most people think they just mafia me as a manager.”
Oliseh also highlighted Arteta’s bold decisions in reshaping the squad, including the departure of former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the appointment of Martin Ødegaard as captain.
According to him, those decisions helped Arteta gain full control of the dressing room and establish the culture he wanted at the club.
“But he got rid of the players like Aubameyang had to go and he gave the Captain ship to a player, look where he is from,” Oliseh explained.
“From the part of the world where he is from, there are players that are never withdrawn.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 further commended Arsenal’s management for showing patience and trust in Arteta despite the club finishing as runners-up in previous campaigns.
“Let's not forget the management had patience to give him all these years to be taking second,” he noted. “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.”
Arsenal finished top of the table with 85 points, seven clear of second-placed Manchester City.
Adeyemi Adewale
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