Fabianski - My personal debt to Jens Lehmann

Lukasz Fabianski has spoken of his personal debt to the departing Jens Lehmann.

The two goalkeepers shared duties in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday. The Pole played the first 68 minutes while the German came on for the final 22. It was a compassionate gesture from Arsène Wenger as Lehmann is almost certain to leave the Club in the summer.

At 23, Fabianski is at the start of his career and, even though they have shared only one season at Emirates Stadium, he believes much of the 38-year-old's experience has rubbed off.

"I learnt a lot of things, really small details," said the former Legia Warsaw stopper. "The most important thing was to be always 100 per cent professional. During the whole year he never gave up. Everyday he was [at the] training ground and that shows how you have to behave to be at the top of your game."

Of course, this season both men have been behind Manuel Almunia in the goalkeeping pecking order.

Despite Lehmann's impending departure, Wenger had said that he will not sign a new keeper. Therefore Fabianski will be putting the pressure on next term.

"I was really patient this season," he said after the Everton game. "I was waiting for my chance. I was really happy that the boss gave me this chance in the final games. I hope next season to fight in every training session for my position.

"They told me when they brought me here that I would have to fight for my place. I have had a chance and now it depends on me as to how I use it."

Wenger - So close, yet so far

Arsene Wenger feels his Arsenal side were 'one game away' from securing this season's Premier League crown.

The Gunners enjoyed a marvellous beginning to the 2007/08 campaign, but their form derailed after they drew at Birmingham in February.

Wenger's men guaranteed a third-placed finish on Monday as they routed Derby County 6-2 at Pride Park.

The result leaves Arsenal four points behind Manchester United and Chelsea, with two games of the season remaining.

Good season

And Wenger has lamented early April's 2-1 loss at Manchester United; a result he believes was the difference between winning and losing the championship.

"I feel we were one game away in this championship. If we win at Old Trafford, we are champions," he said.

"It's just one game, and in that game we were 1-0 up and we had two or three chances to score the second goal, so you cannot say we had a bad season.

"We have 77 points and we have won championships with 78."

Wenger also commented on Mathieu Flamini's uncertain future at Emirates Stadium, adding: "I'm waiting for him to come back to me and tell me whether he's going."

Fabianski

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who made his first league start against The Rams on Monday evening, has voiced his determination to push for a regular starting role.

He said: "I am not here just to be the second goalkeeper, I want to be the main goalkeeper.

"Manuel (Almunia) and Jens (Lehmann) are fine goalkeepers and we all get on well but I will be fighting to be ahead of them."

Fabianski set to stake his claim at Derby

Arsène Wenger has all three goalkeepers fit and available but he may choose to hand out some valuable experience to the 23-year-old Polish international.

Until now, the summer signing from Legia Warsaw has been restricted to Carling Cup appearances. He excelled early on in the competition but let in five goals as Arsenal crashed out to Tottenham in the Semi-Final second leg at White Hart Lane. If Fabianski does not debut at Derby it seems he will get a chance at some point in the final three games of the campaign.

"I’ve not made a decision yet about who will play but I will have a look at Fabianski [before] the end of the season," said Wenger at Friday's press conference. "It could be Monday, I don’t know yet.

"For me he’s class. He understands football, reads the game well and is quick. He is technically good with good co-ordination and has a good connection with the team."

In fact Wenger's faith in Fabianski is so solid that he does not intend to bring in another stopper if Jens Lehmann leaves in the summer. The German is out of contract in June.

"At the moment I say no [to another keeper]," he said. "[It depends] how well Fabianski does if I play him. But, on that front, I’m not especially worried.”

Fabianski will be in goal for the last 3 games

Arsene Wenger is to give Lukasz Fabianski the opportunity to stake a claim for the number one spot at Arsenal.

The Polish goalkeeper moved to Emirates Stadium from Legia Warsaw last summer but has yet to make a Premier League appearance.

He played four times in Arsenal's run to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and is now set to feature in the last three games of the season.

"I want to play Fabianski and give him a run in the last few games," Wenger confirmed in the Daily Mirror.

Manuel Almunia, first-choice for most of the season, has been struggling with a wrist injury in recent weeks.

Jens Lehmann has played in Arsenal's last two games but the German is expected to leave the club in the summer.

23-year-old Fabianski is rated highly by Wenger and determined to take his chance in the coming games against Derby, Everton and Sunderland.

The youngster said: "I have really big ambitions to succeed."

Fabianski - Why I'm happy with life in London

Lukasz Fabianski is not fazed by his lack of first-team appearances and remains happy with his decision to relocate to England.

The Polish international joined Arsenal from home country side Legia Warsaw last summer. Since then the 22-year-old has made five senior starts, helping the young Gunners to the Carling Cup Semi-Final.

“I want to say I am happy to be playing,” said Fabianski after Monday’s second-string North London derby. “At the moment I am third choice and have not had too many opportunities to play so if I get a chance I am happy.

“I am also happy with the way that I played [on Monday night]. I had a lot of things to do, not only shot stopping but also dealing with crosses and the kicking. It is important for a keeper to play 90 minutes and get a feel for the game.”

Some would be discouraged by taking a ‘step-down’ to the second string, but not Fabianski. The Pole has lofty ambitions but he is content with his progress so far.

“I think it [my first year] has been OK, not bad,” he explained. “When I have played I have largely been happy with those appearances. For a first year in a new country as a young goalkeeper it has been a good experience and I hope the seasons to come will be better and better.

“If you have really big ambitions like I do, you always expect more and more. But I respect at the moment the results of Manuel and Jens have been really good.

“They, as goalkeepers, have much greater experience than me and I am patient and waiting for my chance. I am doing everything in my power when I do play, and in training.

“I hope next season my position will be better. But yes of course I am happy to be here.”