Manuel Almunia has finally snapped at the latest round of verbals fired in his direction by Jens Lehmann, revealing the full extent of the rift between him and the German at Arsenal.

Following a start to the season characterised by less than assured goalkeeping displays, Lehmann found himself usurped as Arsene Wenger's first choice between the posts at Emirates Stadium.

Almunia's form in his team-mate's absence has seen him justify his selection as the club's recognised number one, but an outspoken Lehmann has failed to concur - often on record - with his manager's decision.

Lehmann's infamous spat on the international scene with Oliver Kahn has often made the headlines back in Germany, but this season his ire has been targeted a little closer to home; with Almunia regularly berated by his team-mate's candid comments.

This week Lehmann expressed his disdain at 'sitting on the bench behind somebody who only started to play when he was 30', and while Almunia has in the past has maintained a dignified silence, it would his patience has now run thin.

In an interview in the The Guardian, Almunia has spoken of his disappointment that Lehmann feels the need to so openly, and so regularly, voice his criticism.

jens Lehmann is a t*t i hate him so mutch should keep himself too himself

not rele his fault, he's a grumpy german living and working in england, he's bound to be a bit grouchy because of three events in the 20th century, altho for the life of me i cant remember what they were lol

Think they both give as good as they get by the sound of things. But if Almunia hates Lehmann too, since they avoid each other in training and stuff it sort of makes sense that Lehmann's been bitching on about it for so long.

Hmm... they get paid the same anyway, can't see what the problem is the bunch of moaners.

Truly pathetic.