Why Ospina is not to blame for Arsenal’s shock defeat to Olympiakos

Shock result for Arsenal tonight as Wenger’s men were beaten by Greek champions Olympiakos, but perhaps even more alarming was the mistake from David Ospina.

The Colombian misread and ultimately mishandled a seemingly harmless corner from Olympiakos midfielder Fortounis, dropping the ball over the line to gift the Greeks their second on the night.

It was a moment of madness and something not usually associated with Ospina. The Colombian has been brilliant since joining the club, with his handling and decision making usually his best attributes.

This will be a sore one for him and he is certainly at fault for the goal but not so for the result.

It is easy to point fingers, and by some accounts that goal was the difference between 2-2 and 3-2, but Arsenal on a whole should and will take responsibility for the result. The first goal should have been dealt with better and cleared, while the third was a total lapse in concentration.

Conceding a goal immediately after scoring is a fundamental mistake, usually down to nothing more than switching off mentally. That is the bigger picture, and Arsenal should not be making these kinds of mistakes.

As for Ospina, we have to feel for the lad. It was a horrible mistake, but nothing more than that. He is still a fantastic goalkeeper and will retain the faith of his teammates and the boss.

Mishaps can and will happen to anybody, it’s best he puts this behind him and prepares himself for his next opportunity. He will continue to get his chances.