Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Manuel Almunia has benefitted from working with German veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

"Don't forget that for Almunia it was a very difficult year because when you have a guy like Jens Lehmann on your back there is no better school because this guy doesn't give you any room. He always shows he is ready to take your place if you have any weakness," said the Frenchman.

"So I believe that Almunia this year on the mental side, on the toughness, has made a tremendous improvement. What he has done, with the competition like he had with Jens every day, with people expecting him to show a weakness, he has instead become a very strong goalkeeper."