Returning Lehmann has Wenger vote
BLACKPOOL (1) v/s ARSENAL (3)
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger paid tribute to his veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after the 41-year-old helped his side back to winning ways at Bloomfield Road.
The former Germany international rejoined the club last month in an emergency loan deal following injuries to Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone.
Lehmann was set to deputise for Manuel Almunia at Bloomfield Road but the Spaniard injured his knee in the warm-up, paving the way for Lehmann to make his 200th appearance for the club in a win secured by first-half goals from Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue, with a late clincher from Robin van Persie.
On Lehmann’s contribution, Wenger said: “I was not concerned because I replaced a good goalkeeper with a good goalkeeper.
“Lehmann brings a kind of extra determination and experience to the team when you get in that final sprint. I brought him in as well for that authority and the charisma that he has in the dressing room.”