How Jens and Jerzy came up trumps

While Petr Cech was laying solid foundations at Chelsea, Jens Lehmann and Jerzy Dudek spent most of the season digging their own graves.

A series of calamitous errors between the sticks caused the goalkeepers at Arsenal and Liverpool to be pilloried.

Yet, just as they were expected to be shown the exit door, they produced the performances of their lives. On Saturday, Lehmann repelled wave after wave of Manchester United attacks in the FA Cup Final before thwarting Paul Scholes from the penalty spot to ensure that Arsenal did not end the season without some silverware.

Four days later and Dudek, on the biggest stage of all - the European Cup Final in Istanbul - found redemption in similar style.

He might never appear again for Liverpool, though if he ever returns to Anfield - as a player or fan - the reception will be deafening.