Arsenal: Is it time for David Ospina to be the number one?

With David Ospina impressing in the cup competitions and Petr Cech toiling in the Premier League, is it time for Arsenal to alter who their number one shot-stopper is?

Arsenal and Colombia international shot-stopper David Ospina has had a torrid time at Arsenal this season. With Petr Cech, the preferred number one, enjoying the majority of the playing time in the Premier League, Ospina has been relegated to the bench for large portions of the season, with his only action has come in domestic and European cup competitions.

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It is emblematic of his North London toils. Since his arrival in 2014, when he was initially given the number one shirt with Wojciech Szczesny making a mockery of himself, it was assumed that the man who impressed so greatly during the World Cup would anchor himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. But in the nearly four years since that time, he has dropped in and out of the line-up, eventually succumbing to being Cech’s reserve.

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This year, however, the performances have not matched their positions. I have been impressed by Ospina in the Europa League, and his recent games against Ostersunds FK and AC Milan showcased his abilities, should Arsenal call upon him for league games. Against Milan in particular, Ospina was very impressive. His shot-stopping ability was excellent, he wasn’t scared with the ball at his feet, and although he didn’t have a whole lot to do against Milan, he looked alive when called upon.

Moreover, he has eighty-one caps for Colombia, which suggests he must be doing something right, and Arsene Wenger has been keen to state that he has two ‘world class’ goalkeeper, clearly rating both players’ abilities. Ospina’s only downfall may be his height, standing at 6-foot-0, and he does struggle at times when balls are lofted into the box, especially from set pieces. But is his shot-stopping quality not worth such shortcomings?

That question is especially pertinent given Cech’s recent struggles.

Cech has started every league game this season. He hasn’t lived up to the billing. His most recent performance against Brighton and Hove Albion left a little to be desired, conceding two questionable goals as he punched a corner back into the penalty area and allowed Glenn Murray’s header to slide under his body.

But he has conceded questionable goals all season. It was Swansea in which he lost possession in front of his own goal. It was Bournemouth, earlier that same month, that both he and Wenger highlighted his individual errors. For such an experienced goalkeeper, these mistakes are unacceptable.

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With Cech seemingly getting older and no better, only worse, should Ospina get the number one shirt? I believe he should, starting on Sunday against Watford.