Wenger demands better protection for goalkeepers
German stopper Lehmann took exception to a challenge from Phillips in the dying moments of the Barclaycard Premiership clash at St Mary's and threw the ball at the former Sunderland striker seconds after the final whistle.
The players squared-up and the situation had to be diffused by referee Steve Dunn who has mentioned the incident in his match report, and although Wenger did not condone Lehmann's actions, he did sympathise with his keeper.
"Jens should not have thrown the ball like that it was done out of frustration. It wasn't that huge a reaction from him and there is not much in the incident," said the Frenchman.
"I think that sometimes keepers need more protection. I like the fact that Jens comes out and challenges for the ball and it's only fair that players should be able to challenge the keeper.
"I don't like an over-protective attitude from referees, but only if players are genuinely going for the ball.
"What you see more and more of now in the Premiership is players who go in with one arm between the hands of the keeper, or pulling down on the shoulder and generally not playing the ball at all.
"That sort of offence should be punished by a yellow card. Jens is frustrated - he tells me that he gets hit but is not allowed to defend himself because he has to go for the ball.
"I feel there is a right balance to find. At the moment it is not in the favour of the keeper. If we do not get the balance we need, then keepers will soon stop challenging for the ball."
Wenger believes the title race will be tighter than ever this year and is shocked that the Gunners are only second in the table they trail United by one point, even afterthough the victory over Saints Southampton stretched their undefeated Premiership run to 19 games.
"We are unbeaten but are still not top of the table. We have 45 points after 19 games and are second in the league which is amazing. But we have played 10 away games and nine home games, while for Manchester United it is the reverse," he said.
"It will be tight all the way because of the consistency shown by all three contenders. Man Utd have scored 46 points we're at the halfway stage so multiply that by two and you get a huge end-of-season total."
The transfer window re-opens tomorrow but Wenger insists he will not be dipping into the stg£10-15million kitty the Highbury club is thought to have given him for the January sales.
A decision on Sylvain Wiltord's future will also be delayed until later in the season following reports that the striker is being tracked by several French clubs, including Paris St Germain.
"I have not changed my mind I won't be buying anyone in January. The club will not make a decision on Wiltord until around March or April. He will stay with us during the transfer window," Wenger said.
Robert Pires scored in the first half last night to give Arsenal a deserved victory as Southampton failed to mount any serious challenge, with St Mary's boss Gordon Strachan hoping that the experience will make his side a stronger team.
"We played with fear last night. We've all been there when you've played with negative thoughts. But you've got to bottle that feeling so that when you face a big game again you know how to deal with it," he said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
