Arsenal FC suffered a shock defeat to Greek side Olympiakos in the second round of fixtures of the Champions League group stage, with David Ospina at fault for conceding a ridiculous goal in comical fashion.
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In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal FC lost to Olympiakos 3-2 with Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez both scoring for Arsenal FC. However, it was David Ospina’s comical own goal which dominated headlines. Fans questioned Arsene Wenger’s decision to start the Colombian ahead of experienced goalkeeper Petr Cech.
With the scores level, Ospina made a mess of an incoming corner, as the goalkeeper dropped the ball after catching it. To his shock, the ball had crossed the line and the fourth official awarded Olympiakos the goal. The Gunners also lost Laurent Koscielny to an injury in the second half and the Frenchman looks doubtful for the crunch clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
“We are disappointed. Are you surprised?” – Wenger
Arsene Wenger addressed the media, following his side’s dismal performance and defended his decision to start Ospina ahead of Cech.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by the club’s official website, Wenger said:
“That is a simple thing. David Ospina played 19 games last season and kept 14 clean sheets and last week he had a fantastic game. No keeper is mistake free, it could have happened to Petr Cech as well.”
When asked if the loss was the worst he has suffered in the Champions League, Wenger referred to the fateful night when his Arsenal FC side lost to FC Barcelona in the finals of the Champions League in 2006.
“Sit on a bench in a European final and I will ask you the question after.”
The Frenchman also gave updates on Koscielny’s injury and highlighted the importance of squad rotation.
“It is a hamstring. This is why I rotate as we play many games. The other teams do it as well. You look at the other teams in Europea s benches and you will see them rotate. You cannot play every three days without rotating your players That is a fact and you have to accept that.”
Wenger also reflected that the Arsenal FC players were just as disappointed following the loss.
“We played four away games before tonight. We played Zagreb, Chelsea, Tottenham and then Leicester. Tonight is the first game at home. We are disappointed. Are you surprised? A disappointment is enough.”
I do not have to sit here and give you an explanation – Arsene Wenger on decision to start Ospina
The Arsenal FC manager was furious when some reporters questioned his decision to start Ospina ahead of Cech. As quoted by Goal, Wenger said:
“I do not have to sit here and give you an explanation about every decision I make.
“I make the decisions and selections for the team and I am responsible. I know many things that you dona t know or you ignore. You cana t select a team by taking a poll before the game and taking everyonea s opinion.”