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Football

07th Sep 2016

David Ospina’s error for Colombia has given Arsenal fans nightmares

Corners are not his friend.

Tom Victor

Arsenal fans still have sleepless nights over that run of games last season when David Ospina temporarily replaced Petr Čech between the sticks.

While the Colombian may have impressed at the 2014 World Cup, he has been unable to replicate that form in North London, and the sight of his name on the teamsheet will often have fans fearing the worst.

Ospina is generally a solid enough shot-stopper, at least for a second-choice keeper, but it is from corners where his failings are most keenly felt.

That came to the fore in last season’s Champions League, where he dropped the ball over his line during a defeat against Olympiacos which almost ended up costing the Gunners a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

His mistake in Colombia’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil wasn’t quite as glaring, but it was still something which will be all too familiar to anyone who has spent time at the Emirates Stadium over the last 24 months.

When Miranda heads in a corner it initially looks like a good run from the new captain and a well-placed header.

Then you watch it again, and one question comes to mind: where the hell is the goalkeeper?

Colombia drew level through a Marquinhos own goal before half-time, but Neymar scored a second-half winner for the hosts.

And while some smart saves later in the game helped improve Ospina’s day somewhat, the divide between Colombian and British fans was clear to see.

For every defence of the 70-cap international…

We saw something like this from those who have only seen him during his time with Arsenal.

There’s this

https://twitter.com/joezeinab/status/773333074201481216

And then this

We think there’s only one possible explanation

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