Almunia gets the nod

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has put his faith in Manuel Almunia to deputise for goalkeeper Jens Lehmann in the Barclays Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Lehmann, 37, aggravated an Achilles problem during Germany's midweek victory over England and will have around two weeks out of the limelight after errors in his first two league games of the season.

"Almunia is equipped to take responsibility because he did very, very well when he played last year," said Wenger."It was very reassuring. He is mature, he has all the attributes you need to be successful."

He added: "It was a close decision who is my number-one keeper because of his performances last season."

Wenger stressed he has total faith in Lehmann, despite his blunders.

"Apart from the mistakes, he's had good games," said Wenger. "You have to defend your goalkeeper and your players.

"You don't judge it on how many mistakes they make, you have confidence in your goalkeeper.

"The problem when you get older is people say you're in decline, but I am still convinced Jens is top drawer."