Ospina on making his Arsenal debut

David Ospina

David Ospina has revealed his delight at the reception he received from Arsenal's fans on his debut for the club.

The Colombian international made his first start in Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup third-round defeat to Southampton at Emirates Stadium.

Although the 26-year-old was disappointed with the outcome, he was glad to possess the chance to show what he can do.

“I'm actually content to make my debut and play my first game with Arsenal,” he stated. “Unfortunately we did not win and the result went against us but I just choose to keep operating. I'm truly tranquil mainly because I did my greatest.

“The second [Southampton goal] was superb and Clyne is usually a really skilful player. There were loads of men and women in the box and when I saw the ball, it moved and I did not have time to react.

“We would liked to have kept going in the cup. It was one of our aims and the outcome was not quite excellent for us. Absolutely everyone was sad afterwards simply because we choose to win additional titles for Arsenal but I'll keep working.

“I felt really satisfied when I went onto the pitch since people today had been supporting me a whole lot. I am studying all the time. The style in England is distinct since they play genuinely rapidly and with a lot of aerial balls.

“Little by little, I am studying English too. I'm taking classes and some of my team-mates speak French. There's a mix of languages spoken so little by little, I fully grasp them better.”

Wenger: Mertesacker and Gibbs will be fit for Tottenham clash

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger stated he expects Per Mertesacker and Kieran Gibbs to return for Arsenal in Saturday's north London derby clash with Tottenham, regardless of missing Tuesday's League Cup defeat to Southampton.

Minor difficulties saw Mertesacker and Gibbs miss the cup clash with Saints, forcing Wenger to name an inexperienced defence that included 19-year-olds Hector Bellerin and Isaac Hayden.

Nacho Monreal's continued absence meant Calum Chambers was the only standard starter named by the Frenchman but the youngster had only made seven earlier appearances given that joining from Southampton.

Arsenal's young side were beaten 2-1 by Ronald Koeman's guys but Wenger said he is confident his experienced duo of Mertesacker and Gibbs is going to be fit to face Spurs on Saturday.

"They will likely be alright," Wenger stated of the defensive duo. "We are a little short, yes, as a result of the injuries we have. Gibbs had just a little hamstring dilemma and we couldn't play him.

"Mertesacker can be a bit on the edge, and then we have no decision."

Wenger's selections in defence had been further decreased on Monday when France international Mathieu Debuchy was ruled out for three months following surgery on his left ankle.