Former Super Eagles captain and manager Sunday Oliseh has revealed that he was fully convinced as early as October that Arsenal would lift the 2025/26 Premier League title.
The Gunners officially ended their agonizing 22-year top-flight championship hiatus over the weekend, sparking wild celebrations worldwide. Mikel Arteta’s tactical masterclass saw Arsenal finish the grueling campaign at the absolute summit of the table with 85 points—finishing a comfortable seven points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s second-placed Manchester City.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Oliseh explained that while fans were mesmerized by the team’s free-flowing goals, it was Arsenal’s rigid defensive structure and psychological culture shift that guaranteed their historic success.
“Defense Wins Championships” — Oliseh’s Tactical Breakdown
The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder emphasized that true footballing dominance is built from the back, a philosophy Arteta has successfully instilled at Emirates Stadium.
“It is gratifying for me to state that it was evident they would be champions as of October,” Oliseh remarked during the broadcast. “Because one aspect that many individuals often overlook in football is that your strength lies not in your attacking prowess, but in your defense.”
Oliseh provided a candid critique of Arteta’s coaching style, noting that the Spaniard prioritizes elite organization over individual flair.
“At Arsenal, the manager is not someone I would describe as particularly creative when it comes to flair or finishing. However, what he possesses is a strong sense of organization.”
The Captaincy Masterstroke That Changed Everything
According to the Nigerian football icon, the turning point for Arsenal’s cultural revolution began when Arteta made the ruthless decision to banish big-name stars who did not fit his tactical blueprint, subsequently handing the leadership reins to Martin Ødegaard.
“One significant action he took with this team was to remove players like Aubameyang, and he entrusted the captaincy to a player from a region where players are rarely withdrawn,” Oliseh added, highlighting the discipline brought to the squad.
“When he is your captain and he affirms, ‘yes coach,’ it enables you to shape the team according to your vision.”
By establishing absolute authority and aligning the squad behind a unified defensive vision, Arteta laid the groundwork for a championship campaign. With a Premier League trophy secured and a UEFA Champions League final on the horizon, Oliseh’s early October prophecy has aged into absolute perfection.
