Lehmann - We have lacked freshness this year

By Adam Clark

Jens Lehmann is unconcerned by Arsenal’s failure to win silverware this season, blaming fatigue and failing fortunes in front of goal.

The German No 1 believes Arsène Wenger's squad has the potential to become a dominant force. But the stopper warned he and his team-mates must prove it by growing stronger from their luckless campaign.

“This season we probably lacked a bit of freshness,” said Lehmann. “We had to deal with some injuries. The aftermath of the World Cup and the whole Champions League campaign has not been positive for us. Sometimes you have a season where you have to take a breather. But the team could be even better next season.

"The only game we really deserved to lose in the whole season was against Liverpool last week. All the other games we made the game, we had chances, but somehow we didn't manage to win. That's our biggest failure this season.”

Saturday’s defeat to West Ham United was such an occasion. Arsenal failed to score despite 29 attempts on goal and went down 1-0 to an opportunist strike from Bobby Zamora. Lehmann echoed the sentiments of his manager by highlighting the positives the Gunners can take into Monday’s game at Newcastle.

"When you lose it's always a disappointment but you have to cope with it," he said. "You can't feel sorry for yourself. At least we created a lot of chances. If you don't create a chance and you lose 1-0, then you have to worry, but the way we played wasn't that bad.

"We always have motivation to do better and against West Ham we certainly did better compared to the two last games. All that was missing was a goal or two.”

Lehmann’s also revealed his future at Arsenal is still uncertain. The 37-year-old's contract runs out in the summer but he insists it is his decision whether he stays in North London. Lehmann acknowledged the potential of the side will be a factor in his choice but said he needs to think long and hard before accepting another deal.

"I've always said I'd like to play at Arsenal," said Lehmann. "I'm certainly aware that the team has potential. What we showed last season in the Champions League wasn't a coincidence.”

"I can decide to be a part [next season]. It's my decision. I have to make the decision. I can stay, of course I can stay, but I have to talk before. We will see. I don't really know. It's a tough decision I have to make."

--www.Arsenal.com--

Kroenke buys ITV's 9.9% stake in Arsenal

Arsenal's link to America has been strengthened by US billionaire Stan Kroenke acquiring a 9.9% stake in the club.
His company, Kroenke Sports Enterprise (KSE), have bought the shareholding interest from ITV and could also purchase 50% of Arsenal Broadband Limited, with the combined total costing £65million if completed.
Kroenke owns Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids, who recently announced a partnership with the Gunners that will see the Premiership club send coaches across the Atlantic and promising American players sent to train in London.
The partnership was not seen as the first step towards another American takeover of a English club, although the move to buy ITV's stake has come less than a month after KSE stated they had 'no interest or intention' of buying into Arsenal.
A statement to the stock exchange read: 'ITV plc today announced that it had unconditionally sold its 9.99% shareholding interest in Arsenal Holdings plc to KSE UK INC, a vehicle controlled by Stan Kroenke, and has also entered into conditional arrangements with KSE UK INC in relation to the sale of its 50% shareholding in Arsenal Broadband Limited.'
Premiership clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa have been targeted by American investors as business prospects which will eventually generate huge profits.
Despite their huge debts, Arsenal are still seen as a club with huge potential because of the long-term benefits of the new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.
A potential takeover, though, would appear unlikely as major stakeholders - which include vice-chairman David Dein and director Danny Fiszman - have stated they have no intention of selling up.
Kroenke, who earned his fortune through real estate development, owns ice hockey side Colorado Avalanche and basketball team Denver Nuggets. He is the co-owner of St Louis Rams in gridiron.
The entrepreneur is used to winning too, the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2000 and Avalanche claimed the NHL's Stanley Cup in the 2000-01 season.
Arsenal have not won a trophy for two years but with a strong tradition, established fan base and a young side, have been viewed as an attractive proposition.
Their short-term goal is to qualify for the Champions League next season after their hopes of silverware were ended last month.
Emmanuel Eboue has emerged as the latest injury concern as they look to hold onto their top-four place in the Premiership.
The 23-year-old full-back has a groin problem and has been given only a 50% chance of facing West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
He was substituted for the last eight minutes of the recent defeat to Liverpool which allowed Bolton and Tottenham to get within sight of the final Champions League place Arsenal currently hold.
Arsenal's backroom staff will give the Ivory Coast international a fitness test on Good Friday before a decision is made.
'Eboue is a doubt,' confirmed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. 'He has a problem with his groin. We'll have a test on Friday and see after that.'
Eboue has struggled with ankle problems this season and Wenger feels he may have rushed back to action.
'It is unbelievable,' added the Frenchman. 'He was out for six weeks and then played a complete game when perhaps he had not recovered. Sometimes that is the price that you pay; you get another injury.'
Wenger, however, is likely to recall Gilberto as the Brazil midfielder has recovered from a recent hip complaint.
With attackers Thierry Henry, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie on the sidelines, Wenger at least has Jeremie Aliadiere returning from a foot problem.

--ESPNSoccernet--