Jens Lehmann's career at Arsenal has been a colourful one, for every lack of judgement, there has been a moment of pure brilliance. Think Champions League Semi Final for the latter. He has entertained the fans with his pre-match rolls, he even entertained the travelling support at Bolton a few seasons ago by sparring with the groundsman before kick off. He is 'Nutty Jens' the 'Nutty German', but his comments in the media recently have certainly soured some fans view of the keeper, bringing into question whether or not he is still right for the club.

His first error was suggesting that his relegation to the bench was "part of the humiliation." This is idiocy that even Jen's can’t seriously believe. Arsene is hardly a member of the 'old school' style of manager, ready to humiliate his players for mistakes they have made on and off the pitch. If Jens does think this, then perhaps he should get into his German saloon and get on the A1 to Villa Park now. Wenger is far more professional than that, it is undeniable that he would pick the side on its merits, pick the eleven he felt would have the best chance of winning. Prejudices would not come into his decision.

His second error is a graver one, as in attempting to undermine his understudy and replacement, Manuel Almunia, he has failed to realise he could be damaging the whole team’s chances. He said; "Almunia hasn't shown that he can win us matches just yet," and went on to suggest "I can't imagine he will handle this." These comments came before two key matches, Liverpool and Manchester United, the matches many commentators felt the title hinged upon. It is understandable that Lehmann would feel put out at sitting on the bench, however to heap unnecessary pressure on the Spaniard is irresponsible. It was almost as if he was willing Manuel to slip up, at a time when he most needed support.

Compare this then, to the behaviour of Gilberto Silva. Gilberto is a World Cup winner, widely believed to be one of the main reasons for the club’s success over the past few years. Dropped through no fault of his own, due to international commitments, he has had to endure Fabregas and Flamini forging an unstoppable partnership in the centre of midfield. Instead of coming out in the press, commenting on how he is the best player for the job, hinting that he did not know how long he could take such humiliation, he stayed silent and just went to training as usual. This is because he is a 'professional', committed to the club’s success. He is aware of his abilities and is willing to be patient and wait for his chance. When he did finally speak, he spoke of extending his contract, and working to get back into the team, not of his discontent.

It remains to be seen whether either will regain their place in the first team, but unlike our current number two keeper, Gilberto will be quietly biding his time, waiting for his chance to show he is still the best. Meanwhile Jens, most probably the best keeper at the club anyway, will be pressing the self destruct button, creating as much fuss as he can to remind Wenger he is still at the club, still wanting to play. These actions are unnecessary, and unfortunately for the fans and the player may do Jens more harm than good when it comes to the January transfer window.