Jens: Bench a good experience

Jens Lehmann was spurred onto becoming a Highbury hero by a spell on the bench.

Lehmann lost his place to Manuel Almunia for 10 games over the winter months and the German feels that having to sit on the bench in the cold was the reason for his upturn in form.

"It was a good experience, I was sad to sit out but I got some very good experience," he insisted.

"These things can happen and could happen again if I don't focus.

"In my whole football life I have improved and it would be quite disappointing not to play better than last year or two years ago.

"It's about development, as with any job."

Lehmann is currently an integral part of a UEFA Champions League defence that has not conceded in their last seven games, one game short of a competition record that is currently held by Milan.

That included two clean sheets against Spanish giants Real Madrid that boast an attacking force including Brazilians Ronaldo, Robinho and Julio Baptista as well as the competitions record goalscorer Raul.

"It's an incredible achievement to keep two clean sheets against Real Madrid with such a young defence," added Lehmann.

"As a footballer you live for these moments with the crowd behind you and excited.

"You don't care about anything, you just enjoy the atmosphere with the adrenaline and passion.

"That's great, especially for our younger players and it's also fantastic for me."

Lehmann has been offered a new one-year deal by manager Arsene Wenger but he also believes he is beginning to win over the fans as a replacement for goalkeeping legend David Seaman.

"I have been offered a contract and I worked for that because I love the club, London and my children like the schools here.

"It would have been a mistake to leave before, I always wanted to fight back."