Wenger backing both keepers

Arsène Wenger has declared his support for under-fire goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after his blunders against Fulham and Blackburn. But he is also confident Manuel Almunia can step up in Lehmann's absence through injury.

Lehmann effectively cost Arsenal two points after gifting Blackburn a soft equaliser on Sunday.

"Apart from the mistakes, he's had good games," Wenger insisted. "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."

Lehmann has been confirmed as having injured his Achilles tendon and will miss at least the next two weeks. And Wenger is backing his number two goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to step and and fill the breach, and even perhaps take over from Lehmann as first choice.

"Lehmann will not play, he is out with an Achilles problem that he had already," Wenger said. "Two weeks ago it became worse and today it was worse still."

"Almunia is equipped to take responsibility because he did very, very well when he played last year. It was very reassuring."

"He is mature, he has all the attributes you need to be successful. It was a close decision who is my number-one keeper because of his performances last season."

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