David Ospina Has a Great Chance to Usurp Wojciech Szczesny as Arsenal's No. 1

David Ospina has had to bide his time since joining Arsenal. Until the turn of the year, he had made just two competitive appearances: one in the Capital One Cup and the other as a late substitute for Wojciech Szczesny in the Champions League. However, he has now been presented a huge opportunity: With Szczesny dropped, the Colombian has a chance to seize the No. 1 spot for himself.

Manager Arsene Wenger has been cagey when questioned about the decision to leave out his Polish goalkeeper. Talking to the press after the 3-0 victory against Stoke City, per the club's official website, he refused to confirm the permanence of Szczesny’s demotion: "I haven’t made a decision yet. It was a decision for today’s game. Szczesny is our No. 1 competing with Ospina and [Emiliano] Martinez—that’s our job."

Wenger insists his decision to leave Szczesny out is entirely due to his form, but it’s impossible to escape the feeling that his relegation to the bench has almost as much to do with the recent disciplinary issue over smoking in the changing rooms.

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It’s most likely a bit of both. The two are arguably linked: Szczesny’s error-laden display at Southampton was a consequence of poor concentration; his smoking afterwards was a sign of a lack of discipline. The issue would appear to be one of attitude and commitment rather than talent. Wenger’s intention may simply be to give Szczesny a short, sharp shock to force him to refocus.

A similar tactic was employed in March 2013, and Szczesny responded by winning back his place from Lukasz Fabianski and producing some of his best Arsenal form to date. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to spark an improvement in a player.

However, Szczesny has rarely faced competition like Ospina before. That’s the difference this time: Szczesny’s previous rivals—guys like Fabianski, Manuel Almunia and Vito Mannone—had all been accustomed to playing a supporting role at some stage in their career. Ospina is an established international No. 1. When he joined Arsenal, he did so with the expressed intent of taking Szczesny’s place.

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Now, he’s been afforded the chance to start games, and he will not let go of that spot without a fight. The initial signs are good: Ospina’s last two starts have yielded consecutive clean sheets. Although he has not been hugely tested in either match, that suggests he has quickly developed an effective coordination with the back four. Arsenal’s defence look comfortable with Ospina there.

Wenger may intend to bring Szczesny back in from the cold, but he’ll be open-minded about the prospect of sticking with Ospina. The only way to create true competition is to adopt a meritocratic selection policy. If Ospina continues to produce faultless displays, Szczesny’s wait could be prolonged. The pressure on him to perform in the event of his selection for the FA Cup tie at Brighton & Hove Albion will be enormous.

As the man in possession, the shirt is Ospina’s to lose. Arsenal go to Manchester City next week, and if the Colombian can find a way to keep them at bay, he will become ever more difficult to dislodge.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.