Wenger demands better protection for goalkeepers

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has demanded greater protection for goalkeepers after watching Jens Lehmann become embroiled in a spat with Southampton striker Kevin Phillips during Monday night’s 1-0 victory.

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.