When David Ospina was brought to the club in the summer, Arsene Wenger said he would provide a stern test for Szczesny in goal but with only two appearances this season and two injuries, this idea has yet to be seen. The World Cup star was brought to the club for £3 million following a string of excellent performances for Colombia but has only started the one game for the Gunners and made the second appearance off the bench.
Ospina, being the more experienced keeper, will be looking to hold onto the number one shirt if he is fit in time for when Arsenal travel to Anderlecht in the Champions League, with Szczesny suspended after his red card against Galatasaray. Ospina came into that game and looked confident throughout, not looking troubled despite Arsenal being down to 10 men.
Despite Szczesny winning the golden glove award last season, he does have a tendency to make mistakes and occasionally have a rush of blood, as he did against Galatasaray when he was sent off. On the evidence of what has been seen in the World Cup and in his two appearances so far this season, Ospina is much more calm and focused keeper. It can only benefit Szczesny having him in the team as he can provide a sufficient challenge for the young Pole, something lacking in previous years.
With Arsenal being knocked out of the Capital One Cup, Ospina's playing time will be significantly slashed, it is in the Champions League which he must prove himself worthy of the number one spot and reproduce the form from the World Cup which convinced Arsene Wenger to sign him. It has been difficult to assess just how well Ospina has played considering he has only a game and a half under his belt, yet with this crucial game in Anderlecht coming up Arsenal fans could yet see Ospina's talent and maturity in goal.