Manuel Almunia insists that he has not been affected by criticism from Jens Lehmann, his rival for the goalkeeper position at Arsenal.

Lehmann, currently second choice to Almunia, questioned the Spaniard's mentality and said he felt "humiliated" by his omission from the side.

However, Almunia, who has kept six clean sheets in seven matches after years as the German's understudy, said: "I'm not worried about that [Lehmann's comments]. Nothing can disturb me and nothing can turn my mind on to other things. I only want to win games for Arsenal. I don't care about any other aspect.

"I will stay positive. The goalkeeping position is a difficult position. I've been here almost three years without playing in the league. It's normal for people to assess the situation.

"I forget the past now I'm playing. It's not a problem. I don't care about pressure. I only want to play well. If I read the papers and listen to what other people say about me, then I'd will turn crazy. I don't want that.

"When I'm playing well I honestly don't mind other things that are happening. Maybe if I was playing badly I would be more worried. But now for me life is fantastic and I want to take my chance."

Lehmann made his comments to a German television station, saying: "Almunia hasn't shown that he can win us matches just yet. I have been through this situation once and know how the other keeper is situated mentally. I can't imagine he will handle this."