Gunners spike Lehmann´s Stuttgart debut

German veteran keeper Jens Lehmann conceded three second half goals as former club Arsenal beat his new side Stuttgart in a pre-season friendly late Wednesday.

Lehmann, 38, saw goals from fringe Gunners players Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere, plus another from Nicklas Bendtner secure the win for the English Premiership side, for whom the keeper starred for five seasons prior to a summer move.

Last season, Lehmann fell out with Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, who benched him for much of the campaign, preferring Spaniard Manuel Almunia.

But Lehmann still starred for Germany as Die Mannschaft reached the final at Euro 2008 before bowing to Spain.

Before joining Arsenal he played for Schalke 04, with whom he won the UEFA Cup, and then starred in a Bundesliga title win with Dortmund after a brief spell at AC Milan.

Lehmann recently said he hoped to stay in the frame for Germany but coach Joachim Loew is inclined to give younger shot-stoppers Rene Adler and Manuel Neuer a chance.

On Thursday, Lehmann was quoted as saying he had made his mind up and would inform Loew.

“I know what I am going to do but I will speak first with Joachim Loew. As yet, we’ve not discussed the matter,” said Lehmann, who admitted it was “possible I will stop” playing for his country.

Stuttgart play in the UEFA Cup this coming season after placing sixth in the league, which resumes on August 15.