Almunia could stay no.1

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defender his goalkeeper Manuel Almunia after rumours circulated suggesting that he could be dropped after making a couple of errors during the Man Utd game at the Emirates at the weekend.

Referring to the second goal scored by United, Wenger said: "He rushed out to block the cross and he was unhappy with his decision making. Would he have caught the ball? Could he have stayed inside? He left his goal and didn't get the ball so he'll feel as if he made a mistake. I'll have to watch it again."

On his decision so far to persist with Almunia despite the experienced Lehmann being available, the French tactician said: "Lehmann was injured and Almunia has done extremely well since, 10 games on the trot. I didn't want to disturb the side.

"Until now, he has done very well. I believe in sticking with one goalkeeper. You cannot tell him: 'No matter how many mistakes you make, you'll always be my goalkeeper.' But you have to give him at least two games."