LONDON -- I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s been a forgettable season for Arsenal. After all, the Gunners were on fire for the first six months of the season, played some beautiful soccer along the way and knocked AC Milan out of the Champions League. But when it all fell apart, it fell apart spectacularly, and it’s another trophyless season. From that perspective, there wasn’t much to cheer about at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in Arsenal’s home finale, a somewhat drab 1-0 win over Everton. But it surprised even me when the fans gave Jens Lehmann a huge ovation when the German keeper came on as a sub late in the game.
The guy was clutch during his five seasons at Arsenal, and won three trophies during his tenure in goal. But Lehmann has been such a prickly character under Arsène Wenger, at times vocally egotistical and notoriously broody when he’s benched or pulled early. (His feud with fellow German national-team keeper Oliver Kahn reached almost bad soap-opera status.) Over the past two seasons, as Manuel Almunia emerged as Wenger’s new No. 1 of choice, we really got a shot of Lehmann’s surliness.
It seemed like every other week, the German was taking shots at his manager in the German press, that he was “hurt,” “angry,” “saddened” -- pretty everything running the gamut of unhappy smiley-face emoticons. With his contract up, Lehmann took his final bow on Sunday (the 38-year-old is headed elsewhere for sure next season), especially during the “lap of honor” the team took after the final whistle to express their gratitude to the fans for their support all season.
And it was moving. With the season finishing in shambles (really, shouldn’t Arsenal fans expect a Champions League berth, not as a consolation prize?), the fans really let Lehmann know what he has meant to them. The German looked like he was practically in tears during the standing ovation. Now that’s about as rare a sight as there is. (My buddy Jeremy took that pic above.)
Yes, it was a farewell and a goodbye,” Wenger said after the game. “It was to show respect for what Jens has done for us. He is not always an easy character and he would lose his temper, but he got better and better for us and has been fully committed.”
So say what you want about Lehmann’s petulance, his candor that bordered on uncomfortable awkwardness and his frequent, blatant explosions of disrespect. I’ll miss the guy in Arsenal gloves.
Ireivy Guerra
Jessica Trainham
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Comments (7) Add A Comment
say what you want about him he is a fantastic keeper. At points one of the best in the world, see last years world cup.
mdawg
Saint Paul , MN
Total Comments (23)
Really ? Last time I checked the cup was 2 years ago and a guy named Kahn (not Lehmann) was goaltending for Germany. Lehmann had great talent but since he just cant keep his mouth shut he will mostly be remembered as a whiner.
Naboo
Total Comments (61)
Here's the thing Naboo, yes the world cup was two years ago, but Kahn sure as hell wasn't playing in it. I mean Klinsmann did let him play in the 3rd place match against Portugal, but every other game from the first group stage match through to the semi-finals featured Lehmann in goal.
I myself was a big supporter of Kahn in the drawn out battle for #1 under Klinsmann, but Lehmann did have a great performance in the shoot-out with Argentina in the quarters saving two pk's.
Either you have never followed anything German football related or you must really have only seen the third place match.
Bayern4Life (redux)
Washington , DC
Total Comments (116)
I'm a bit interested in who Arsene Wenger is going to pick up to replace Lehmann. I'm hearing rumors of PSV's Huerelho (I think thats how its spelled) Gomes, PSV's Uefa Cup hero against Tottenham.
A lot of the names that are being used for replacement for AC Milan and Bayern Munich, two other teams in need of a GK, can also apply to Arsenal. I would think most keepers would love to play for the Gunners.
Sebastian Frey, Artur Boruc, Gomes, and a few others could all land in London this summer (though I'd cry if I saw the Holy Goalie leave Parkhead)
Look for Arsenal to come out the gate quickly next August trophy-hungry. A big GK would be a huge addition to that squad. I don't see Almunia leading the Gunners next year.
Stauff Nation
Chicago, IL
Total Comments (1905)
Arsenal fans have reason to be thankful for Lehmann. He's been a huge part of that squad for years now. Musta been a fantastic scene.
However, I won't miss him. I make it a habit of disliking mouthy, selfish athletes. I understand the guy wants playing time, but making a scene and frankly embarrasing himself by making himself look like a little schoolgirl who just got her lunch money stolen will never help his cause. Very annoying.
Stauff Nation
Chicago, IL
Total Comments (1905)
Does anyone find it a strange coincidence that are the top blogs on the blogs page are written by SI Staff? They need a seperate section for the pros and one for the bloggers with less resources
thebasketballguru
Total Comments (663)
Stauff - I don't think Frey or Boruc are going anywhere. Arsenal seems quite happy with Almunia in net for now, and I don't see anyone on your list moving somewhere else for the chance to compete with Almunia to start.
j11forbes
Denver , CO
Total Comments (427)
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