Date: 7th October 2015 at 7:11pm
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After David Ospina faced the brunt of the criticism after the Champions League defeat to Olympiacos, @Dangaleastjohn believes the negative attitude towards the Colombian is extremely unfair.

The recent hammering of our dear old rivals Manchester United has fortunately shifted the limelight off of our number 2 goalkeeper. But I feel this is a topic that will resurface once the international break is over, and Arsenal’s season resumes.

Bar Sunday evening, the attention was on four things: Arsene Wenger (as always), Arsenal’s ability to respond to the utterly disappointing Olympiacos defeat, Arsenal’s upcoming test against a top four team and the enigma that is David Ospina.

What a week it has been for the Colombian. From virtually sending Arsenal crashing out of the Champions League to being a nominee for the prestigious, if not two-sided (refer to a certain duo plying their trade in Spain) Ballon D’Or.

What then, is going on with this man?

Many of us would do well to remember what an adequate replacement he was to our (at the time) reckless number 1 goalkeeper who had grown rather overconfident of his place in the first XI.

True, Ospina was not spectacular as Cech or Buffon, but he got the job done (let’s try to forget that horrible Swansea game at the Emirates for now). Fast forward a few months and Ospina was the biggest reason that two of the best players in the world (Messi and Aguero) were unable to find the back of the net in the Copa America vs Colombia over 120 minutes.

We were midway through 2015 and the 6 ft goalkeeper was having a fantastic year. But then, as a reward for his sublime performances, Arsenal went ahead and bought Petr Cech (I’m not complaining). This was a necessary step up for Arsene Wenger’s team, and a position that had been screaming for a world class upgrade since 2005.

However, take a time to put yourself in David Ospina’s shoes. The man had barely been a year in North London when his replacement was brought in. This was a crude piece of business from Arsenal. Ospina must have felt greatly undone by. 14 clean sheets in 19 games, yet the manager still brought in a replacement.

Add to the fact that Cech was the ONLY player brought into the club in Summer. There were glaring frailties in the attacking and defensive department. Yet, Wenger only chose to add a goalkeeper. Hard done by barely touches what Ospina must have felt.

When the 2015/16 season began and the transfer window closed, Ospina was immediately kicked out of the first XI (though that was also due to his participation in the Copa America). In came Petr Cech and after a shaky start, the Czech International settled in well- which made David Ospina’s inclusion in the first two Champions League group stage matches all the more peculiar.

Yes, the Colombian was at fault for the second Olympiacos goal but the sudden hate directed in his direction is uncalled for.

The man would make a great first team goalkeeper. No, he isn’t on the same level as Cech (which is why I am still buzzing about his arrival), but not many clubs boast of TWO world class goalkeepers. Yes, his mistake against Olympiacos might cost us a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, but then again which goalkeeper was ever flawless?

Look at Courtois vs Hull last season, Cech vs West Ham, Joe Hart vs Southampton (2013), and Barthez vs Arsenal. Those are just a few examples, and the only ones I can really think of at the moment. I’m not saying I agree with the keeper’s inclusion in the Ballon D’Or nominees, but the criticism is over the top.

I do agree that Ospina needs to get his form right, but I wholeheartedly disagree with those fans calling for his head.

 

One response to “Arsenal fans must support this under-fire international”

  1. Jonathan Kaney says:

    Totally agree with this piece. Was tough on Ospina, but what can you do when one of the best keepers in the world becomes available. I expect him to move on soon.