Jens the hero for defiant Gunners

THE most tense night in Arsenal's European cup history became the most joyous one. In winning a place in the Champions League final, Arsenal were eternally indebted to Jens Lehmann, whose late save from Juan Ramon Riquelme's penalty was the stuff of sporting heroics.

Lehmann endured missiles from the Spanish fans and attempts on goal throughout, but it was his save two minutes from time that guaranteed his place in Arsenal folklore.

When Gael Clichy was harshly adjudged to have brought down Guillermo Franco, the German keeper stepped fractionally off his line, stared down Riquelme, then parried away the Argentinian midfielder's spot-kick.

Lehmann was not alone in his defiance. Kolo Toure, on a mission to protect the aggregate lead given by his Highbury goal, was obstinacy personified at centre-half, coping admirably on the floor and in the air, making a vital stop from Diego Forlan late on, and compensating for an initially shaky Sol Campbell alongside him.

Gilberto Silva was also the model of commitment and zealousness in the tackle. But the hero was Lehmann, and as the final whistle signalled Arsenal's first visit to a European Cup final, all the players sprinted to congratulate their German saviour, who had kept their dream alive.

"I felt frankly that it [the penalty] looked a generous decision but I thought to myself if it was our year Jens would save it," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "I knew he wouldn't be beaten easily. He has a strong character and the pressure and fatigue clearly told on Riquelme.

"I'm pleased when a guy shows professionalism and a winning attitude. When a guy like Riquelme is under pressure he just wants to hit the target and not put it in the corner and Jens guessed right."

Nerves had raided Arsenal's body from the opening whistle, their pulses racing even faster when the ball was in the clever control of Riquelme. Campbell, hesitant on his return to the fray, endured a torrid evening. How Arsenal reached half-time without conceding a goal was a Madrigal mystery. Franco, preferred to Jose Mari in attack, twice wasted glorious chances.

Along with Gilberto, Toure was superb in manning the barricades. The pair were working overtime to deal with Riquelme and Juan Pablo Sorin. Back came Villarreal again, forcing Arsenal to defend deeper and deeper. They could almost feel the hot breath of the wonderful Villarreal fans on their necks.

One landmark was reached within four minutes, the outstanding Lehmann passing the Champions League goalkeeping record of 668 unbeaten minutes set by Edwin van der Sar  back in his Ajax days. But the yellow tide kept flowing, foundering only on three magnificent rocks called Gilberto, Toure and Lehmann. The Gunners were under siege. Even Thierry Henry tracked, and then screamed at his team to push forward.

Arsenal's night of living dangerously continued, particularly with Campbell lacking an aerial presence. Franco, meeting Javi Venta's magnificent cross, headed wide, then missed from close range.

10:22 - 2006-Apr-26 - post comment