Wanyama tips Southampton to regain Premier League Status after stunning Arsenal in FA Cup
By Joel Masibo, April 9, 2026Former Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama has tipped the Saints to retain their Premier League status after knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.
In his recent interview with Sky Sports, the retired Kenyan international recalled watching Southampton beating Arsenal to book a semi-final berth at this year’s FA Cup against Manchester City on Saturday, April 25, at Wembley.
Saints knock out Arsenal
”It was great. I knew Southampton could do something; whenever they have a good run, they tend to do so in the Cup. Going to that game, I was watching it, and I was rooting for Southampton to get into the semis to go back to Wembley. They have found their way; they are consistent now. I think they will be back. If they get to that playoff spot, they will be back in the Premier League,” Wanyama said.
After crushing Arsenal’s quadruple dream further, the Championship play-off hopefuls are now dreaming of replicating the Southampton side that won the FA Cup in 1976. Southampton are currently placed sixth on the Championship log with 66 points in 40 outings.
Victor Wanyama featured for the Saints as Manchester United Legends defeated Southampton Legends 5-3 in a thrilling anniversary match at St Mary’s on Saturday, March 28, 2026, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1976 FA Cup final.
Wanyama moves to England
Wanyama moved to Southampton for £12.5 million, making him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time, surpassing the £9.5 million Russian club Spartak Moscow paid for Aiden McGeady in 2010. In the summer of 2016, he moved to Southampton’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, where he stayed until March 2020.
Career reflection
In a recent interview, Victor Wanyama explained the long-standing injury struggles that forced him to retire, bringing an end to a 19-year career at the age of 34. The injury problem dates back to a serious knee injury sustained during a pre-season friendly at Wembley in 2017.
The damage to the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s knee cartilage kept him out for more than four months, and although he returned to action, the issue never fully disappeared. He later aggravated the injury in a match against Chelsea, and from that point on, managing pain became part of his daily routine.
”I am lucky to be able to manage my knee injury for about six years and to finish like this, I have no regrets,” Wanyama said.
Given the former Celtic and Southampton midfielder’s physical, combative style in midfield, Wanyama continued playing while dealing with discomfort, relying on ice treatment, rest and anti-inflammatory medication, particularly in the latter stages of his career.