Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly set to start David Ospina for their FA Cup Final clash with Chelsea on Saturday – and fans on Twitter are furious.
The Mirror have claimed that Arsenal are set to turn to their deputy stopper ahead of their ever-present No.1 Petr Cech for the upcoming tie, as the Gunners seek their last shot at redemption for a disastrous campaign.
Arsenal finished outside the Premier League’s top four and missed out on a Champions League qualification place, leaving victory in the FA Cup as their last possible avenue to success.
However, the Gunners have already been dealt several major blows ahead of the heavyweight clash, with as many as three key players likely to miss the game.
Star defender Laurent Koscielny is ruled out through suspension, while fellow defenders Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel Paulista are both injury doubts.
But the news that Wenger could also be set to axe first-choice stopper Cech has left Arsenal fans disturbed on Twitter, and questioning the logic behind the reported decision.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
I'd be disappointed if Ospina starts for me it would be the wrong choice. Cech is the best keeper we've had since Lehmann. #afc
— Matt (@MatthewBurford) May 26, 2017
Whats the point is starting Ospina when he's leaving this summer, Wengers loyalty is in question once again. No shock though #Ospina #afc
— Louis King (@Louisking1) May 26, 2017
Wait, Ospina is gonna start tomorrow??? pic.twitter.com/VyebhElzCF
— Maryanne (@x_AFC_x) May 26, 2017
If Ospina plays ahead of Cech tomorrow, it is criminal. Arsene is setting himself up for a big fall. #afc
— Ben Galbraith (@bengalbraith16) May 26, 2017
Ospina has not played for over 6 weeks yet Wenger decides to put him in goal for the cup final instead of Cech, absolutely baffling decision
— MR DT (@MrDtAFC) May 26, 2017
Yeah Ospina's a stupid idea, go home Arsene, you're drunk.
— Ross (@RossEndersonAFC) May 26, 2017
Ospina will be sold in summer but yet will start. We lack experience and weakened already, ludicrous if true. #afc
— robdagooner (@RobWoodfin1) May 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/afc_thoughts/status/868128166400991233
Ospina has made just 13 appearances this season, earning he bulk of his first-team action in cup competitions, with Cech handed the reins in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has kept four clean sheets, of which two came against Southampton and Lincoln City, during Arsenal’s route to the FA Cup Final.
A report in the Guardian, meanwhile, has offered to shed some light on Wenger’s reported decision to axe Cech, by suggesting that the Czech Republic stopper is suffering from a training ground injury.