Arsène Wenger will stick with
Manuel Almunia in goal despite criticism of the keeper after
the 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
With seven minutes left at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the
Spaniard raced out in the hope of blocking Patrice Evra's run
to the near post. He failed to make it and the French full back set
up a simple second for Cristiano Ronaldo.
An injury-time goal from William Gallas saved a point and
Arsenal's blushes. After the game, Wenger refused to cricitise
his player but did suggest Almunia himself had not been pleased
with the goal.
"He rushed out to block the cross and I feel he was unhappy
with his decision-making," said Wenger straight after the
game. "But, would he have caught the ball? Could he have
stayed inside? He left his goal and didn't get his ball so
he'll feel as if he made a mistake. I'll have to watch it
again."
But Wenger still has faith in the 30-year-old.
"I believe in sticking with one goalkeeper," he said.
"You cannot tell him: 'No matter how many mistakes you
make, you'll always be my goalkeeper.' But you have to give
him at least two games.
"Lehmann was injured and Almunia has done extremely well since
then for 10 games on the trot. I didn't want to disturb the
side and until now, he has done very well."
When asked if Lehmann would return for the midweek trip to Slavia
Prague, the manager replied: "Not at the moment, no."
