Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after handing a surprise start to the 41-year-old in the club's 3-1 Premier League win over Blackpool.

Lehmann helped the Gunners maintain their title bid 保持奪冠勢頭 after he was called upon to deputise for Manuel Almunia, who was injured in the warm-up.

"Jens is a competitor," stated Wenger, who had not expected to play Lehmann since re-signing the German in March.

"He brings determination, which you need in the final sprint 最后沖刺。"

Veteran Lehmann, who was coaxed out of retirement 退休中被巧言召回 by Wenger to provide emergency cover, initially had little to do on Sunday as Arsenal eased ahead 穩(wěn)步挺進 through goals from Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Lehmann said he was "quite surprised" to get the chance to play, as he "didn't really expect" to take part in the Blackpool clash.

"I couldn't really think about it, and couldn't afford to be nervous and I just played," he reflected on his unexpected appearance.

He was clearly pleased to lace up his boots 打緊鞋帶（隨時待命） and take his place between the posts again.

"I loved playing football and when you finish it's a little bit boring because you don't have this adrenaline any more, but that's what came back to me. I'm quite happy about it," he said.

"If that's my last game ever, I'm happy because we won. Let's see... [what happens]."

Victory took Arsenal to within seven points of Manchester United at the top of the table. The Gunners could further narrow the gap 縮小比分 to a single point if they win their game in hand against Liverpool and beat the Red Devils, when the sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on 1 May.