Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has downplayed Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title this season, saying the team and their manager, Mikel Arteta, lack a winning mentality.
The Gunners currently top the Premier League table with 16 points from seven matches, one point ahead of Liverpool. However, Oliseh believes they are not genuine favourites for the title.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Nigerian international suggested that Arsenal and other top clubs only appear confident because Manchester City are struggling.
“All these teams are vying for the title because Man City is struggling. That’s the only reason and that’s why they are all making noise,” Oliseh said.
“That’s why you can hear any other team — Arsenal, Chelsea — saying we are going to win the title.”
Oliseh argued that Arsenal still lack the mentality needed to become champions, stressing that a winning habit takes years to develop.
“The problem with Arsenal is the fact that elephants don’t give birth to crocodiles. Winning, or the mentality of winning, is something you build,” he added.
The former Juventus and Ajax midfielder also questioned Mikel Arteta’s credentials, suggesting his limited success as a player might affect his ability to lead Arsenal to glory.
“I have no issue with Arteta, but sometimes I ask myself — as a player, how many titles did he win?” Oliseh said.
Arsenal have come close to ending their long wait for a league title in recent years but have fallen short, finishing behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
The North London club will be hoping to maintain their current form and finally reclaim the Premier League crown for the first time since the famous 2003/04 ‘Invincibles’ season.
Why does Oliseh think he has the credentials to question other coaches? Respected as a Nigeria team footballer, I don’t know where he has made his mark as a coach