Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has disclosed that he was persuaded as early as October that Arsenal would ultimately secure the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners clinched the league championship after a 22-year hiatus from the English top-flight title, igniting celebrations among fans worldwide.
Discussing Arsenal’s extraordinary season, Oliseh articulated that the club’s defensive structure and discipline under manager Mikel Arteta were the primary factors that led him to believe they were destined for championship glory.
“It is gratifying for me to state that it was evident they would be champions as of October,” Oliseh remarked on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football.
“Because one aspect that many individuals often overlook in football is that your strength lies not in your attacking prowess, but in your defense.
“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. 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to remove players like Aubameyang, and he entrusted the captaincy to a player from a region where players are rarely withdrawn.
“When he is your captain and he affirms, ‘yes coach,’ it enables you to shape the team according to your vision.”
Arsenal concluded the season at the top of the table with 85 points, seven points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.