Two Arsenal goalkeepers endured contrasting fortunes recently.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina helped Colombia into the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario last night.
The 27-year-old, who is the Gunners’ second choice stopper, played a starring role in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Peru, saving Miguel Trauco’s spot-kick, having earlier pulled off a fine save to keep out Christian Ramos’s first-half header.
In contrast, Petr Cech, who kept Ospina out of Arsenal’s first XI for the vast majority of last season, had a rocky game in the Czech Republic’s 2-2 draw with Croatia at Euro 2016.
The former Chelsea keeper, who has four Premier League winners medals under his belt, was perhaps easily beaten for Ivan Perisic’s opener, and endured other hairy moments throughout the 90 minutes.
As a result of both players’ contrasting fortunes, Arsenal fans on Twitter made it clear who they want to see start between the sticks for the North Londoners’ 2016-17 campaign.
Cech, a £10 million signing from Chelsea last summer (Sky Sports), is clearly a very fine goalkeeper but, at 34, the sad truth is that he is simply not as agile as he once was.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has often accused of not being ruthless enough with his selections, but if he wants to win another Premier League title then perhaps it’s time to take the gloves off and give Ospina a shot – he deserves it.
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