Home > Football > Have Wenger and Arsenal finally had enough of Jens Lehmann?
by gary coulson on 04 September 2007
Email this Article (14) Comments
Free £25 bet when you register at
Arsene Wenger has now seen the light and finally discarded Jens Lehmann as the No.1 at Arsenal. Or has he? AW's loyalty to the German national keeper has split Gunners supporters for years. Some believe Lehmann's quality allowed him to be indulged, while others felt his habit of berating opposition forwards, referees and anyone who entered the firing line was not only embarrassing, but also damaging to the team's chances of overcoming sometimes inferior opposition.
Anyone who saw his antics against Tottenham last season (elbowing Dimitar Berbatov in the chest, losing a goal from the corner) will be nodding their heads at the moment.
Now, after two absolute howlers against Fulham (unpunished) and Blackburn (two points lost), AW seems to have lost patience with his keeper. Manuel Almunia steps up to the plate, and two wins later seems to be in the enviable position of 'numero uno'. But is this just a kick up the posterior for the fallen idol, a real chance for the Spaniard to advance his career, or possibly even an early chance for Lukasz Fabianski to impress?
All that is known at this time is that we do not know! AW is a man who does things his way, and the best guess anybody can make is that if he runs to form, the former Borussia Dortmund keeper will receive at least one more chance to redeem himself at the Emirates.
On a personal level I believe that maybe it is time for Lehmann to wave goodbye one final time and be allowed a final pay-day as his mistakes seem to be rather to be rather to frequent for my liking.
Comments (14)
by Mark on September 04, 2007
I think Almunia will remain between the sticks for the rest of the term with Fabianski playing in the Carling Cup as Almunia did last season. Ive been an admirer of Lehmann and he has made some great saves in the past but time is not on his side anymore, he is approaching 39 i think, and obviously his ability to get down to shots is going to receed. Almunia has taken his chance and hopefully for arsenal will remain in the side, the lad can only get better.
by Unattractive Man on September 04, 2007
Mad Jens has always been a strange one sometimes he’s great but his unpredictable nature will always keep us on edge. Mostly we were just worried that he would be sent off for something stupid, how that hasn’t happened more is quite remarkable. But now that he has started making foolish unforced errors I’d rather not see him again, it is a terrible thing to have your heart skip a beat everything the ball comes near your keeper. I’m sure the players feel it too.
by wot.a.waster on September 04, 2007
enough of jens - his time is up! gk is still problem area for arsenal; alumunia is ok as backup but does not inspire me with confidence. i haven't seen much of fabianski but the fact he didnt play much in pre-season suggest he is not ready yet. obviously i'd love us to splash the cash on buffon but that wont happen. i'd personally like us to sign the russian akinfeev who even at a young age looks something special. i would like to see the GK situation sorted by January. I would not be surprised if then Jens does leave and we were to sign Boruc.
by fure oduaran on September 04, 2007
it is amazing how only two mistakes can wreck a mans career.No one knows that better than Jens Lenmann,but I believe that what the is going through now is a sign of the times in the footie business.In error is measured in terms of money.A two point loss due to the error at Blackburn could well be the difference between a second place finish and a third.I merchantile terms, that deserves a harsh punishment.Jens should have known that having gone without a trophy for two years,AW would not brook any laxity. It is hugely pitiful therefore thst mad Jens got caught in this unforgiving scenario.Both AW and mad Jens have my sympsthy.
by sweety on September 04, 2007
alumnia because he is such a wicked goalkepper and he has gotten so much better since the champions league final in which a goal went through his legs he was excellent in the carling cup
by RONNIE on September 04, 2007
happy that henry left.now we can perfom as we have shown it. Thanks to wenger for releasing him. LONG LIVE WENGER LONG LIVE ARSENAL, GOD`S GIFT TO ARSENAL
by kwazy on September 04, 2007
Bolton's keeper is the man that Wenger is linked with 4 a move to the emirates in january. It isnt just 2 mistakes it a catalogue of errors. Against man city last season, Fulham last season, Fulham this season and Blackburn this season. U dont want him in ur goal in the champions league home fixtures in the knockout stage to say the least.
by Onyechi on September 04, 2007
I lost all faith in Jens during the last game of the season at White Hart Lane. The season we went unbeaten. we were leading 2-1 and cruising until for no reason he conceeded that penalty which made the last few seconds of the match rather unbearable. Had we conceeded another goal and lost, he would have entered into Arsenal's history book for the wrong reason as he does not deserve to be there at all. He by the way lost us the Champions league too!!
by saminator on September 05, 2007
too unpredictable a keeper, a smart save now, a howler the next, out lehmann now!
by arseneboy on September 05, 2007
I trust alumnia.I belive he has improved from last year.He is a good short stopper, he know when to come out of goal........he will get better with more games.Mad jens should go in jan
by stallion on September 05, 2007
Everyone is entitled to make small errors in life but believe me this man is far bigger than his boots.He has years of experience and talent.People forget easily just how much he gave to arsenal last season.Give him a break and leave him to shine in his position..his talents will come to life.watch this space....
by NellyG on September 06, 2007
Jns got us to the final!
by Paull on September 08, 2007
Nelly is right, Lheman was outsatanding all the way up to the champions league final, remember the new record him and the makeshift defence made for not conceding in the Champions League. He is a funny bugger but he has done well for us for a long time and I dont believe his career is finished yet just because of a couple of blunders, remember the complete season unbeaten anyone?? that was only a couple of years ago!!
by Shane Robinson on September 21, 2007
Arsenal need a stronger 'keeper. Lehman is clearly not flavour of the month anymore and Almunia is not good enough for a side that has title aspirations. As good as Arsenal look they will be undone by their keepers
Add your comment here
PERSONAL ABUSE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
First Name
Last Name
Email
Heading
Display your favourite sport or football team badge with your comment.
Sport
League
Team
Comment *
Please enter the text you see in the picture into the textbox below. *
Ipswich Volz into town as Watford seek to close the gap
Houston lift-off: Will Ron Artest and Yao Ming combine to fire up the Rockets?