Happy Birthday Jens

Jens Lehmann is thirty-seven today. Every Gooners favourite crazy German celebrated three years with the club in the summer while on World Cup duty.

On his arrival at Highbury, as successor to David Seaman, Jens divided supporters with some high profile errors and his willingness to react to the mildest of challenges from opponents. By the seasons end Arsenal were undefeated in the Premiership and the faithful had responded to the quirky shotstopper.

His pedigree was not in question, having won the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997 and the Bundesliga with Dortmund five years later. But like his team-mate Vieira he had also endured a less than happy stint in Milan.

Goalkeepers are often remembered for one outstanding save, and Lehmann’s last minute penalty save from Villareal’s Argentinian playmaker, Riquelme, earned Arsenal a berth in last seasons European Champions League Final. How sad that Jens major contribution in Paris was to be sent off. Many consider had he been on the pitch for the fateful closing thirteen minutes that Arsenal would now be Champions of Europe.

I have a feeling in years to come that we will recall Lehmann’s confrontational nature as much as his goalkeeping brilliance, but it will be with an affection borne out of respect. Lehmann has silenced his doubters with a string of outstanding performances. He truly has matured into one of the best keepers in the world.


Glücklich geburtstag Jens.