Lehmann points finger at Phillips
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has accused Southampton striker Kevin Phillips of foul play during Monday night’s clash at St Mary’s Stadium.
German Lehmann has been reported to the Football Association by referee Steve Dunn for throwing the ball at Phillips after the final whistle.
However, he told the Daily Mirror: “Phillips pushed me in the back and was standing on my foot and you must be punished for that. But it was nothing special. We are football players and this is normal.”
He joked: “They should suspend me for one year.”
Arsenal won 1-0 to close within one point of Barclaycard Premiership leaders Manchester United, and Lehmann is not about to change his style of play as the Gunners chase honours in 2004.
“Arsenal bought me for the way I play, so I can’t change. They want me to play the way I have always done.
“Of course, I don’t want to get booked. But I have to protect myself because my game is to get out to crosses. I play as a ‘sweeper keeper’ and that’s part of my game.”
