The 38-year-old was brought off the bench during the second half this afternoon, replacing Polish youngster Lukasz Fabianski, and received a great response from the Gunners faithful during a lap of appreciation at the final whistle.

Lehmann - signed from Borussia Dortmund in July 2003 and out of contract this summer - helped Arsenal win their last title four seasons ago and to the final of the Champions League in 2006, but is out of contract this summer and is set to leave after falling down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger, though, maintains the outspoken veteran German has always been a "100% professional" and a credit to the club.

"It was a farewell and I wanted him to have a chance to say goodbye to the fans, that we respect him for what he has done for us," said Wenger.

"Jens was 100% professional, if not always an easy character.

"In all his time here, I have not know Jens to not be fully committed for a single minute. That deserves a lot of respect."

The Arsenal manager added: "He was the best keeper in the Premier League.

"He reads the game well, he is brave and had all the assets to come into the Premier league, because he is not frightened of anybody.

"Jens has became better and better, because at the start he was a bit upset easily sometimes, when people walked on his toes at corners. But he got more controlled through his career."

Wenger, though, defended his stance on looking to the future in regular number one Manuel Almunia and Fabianski.

The Arsenal manager said: "Jens was 38 this year, and at some stage in a club like ours you have to make a decision to change."

Wenger accepted the performance of his side - without injured midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who turned 21 today - lacked a spark.

Nicklas Bendtner's second-half header eventually secured a 14th home league win and an unbeaten campaign at Ashburton Grove.

"The fluency was a bit difficult sometimes and you could see that it was a bit of an end-of-season game," said Wenger.

"Everton did not open up at all, but we were controlled as the back.

"We did not create as many chances as usual, but scored a great goal and just about deserved the win today."

Arsenal - who led the Premier League for much of the campaign - are now within a point of Chelsea, but having played a match more.

"We can still finish second if Chelsea loses one game and draws another one," said Wenger, "but Bolton are safe and having seen West Ham against Manchester United yesterday, I have very little hope Bolton will make a result at Chelsea."

Everton, meanwhile, still need a result from their final match of the season at home to Newcastle to make sure of fifth place ahead of Aston Villa which would secure qualification for the UEFA Cup again.

David Moyes was somewhat frustrated that result had not come this afternoon.

"I thought we were unfortunate," he said. "I am disappointed we didn't get a point we needed because we did enough to get it.

"Arsenal did not have many chances and we played well defensively."

The Everton boss, though, was glad to have destiny in their own hands.

"Three points ahead with a game to go is a position I'm happy to be in," he said. "I am confident the players can do it."

Moyes added: "For long periods we got closer to the top four, for eight months of the season.

"But the clubs above us are used to the last couple of furlongs and we found it tough.

"But saying that we qualified for the Champions League with 61 points a couple years ago and we have got 62 now. Maybe the Premier League has got better.

"Whatever happens next week we already have more points than we ever have before in the Premier League.

"That battle just underneath the top four teams has been tough.

"We have to try and do it again. We enjoyed Europe so much this year. Let's hope we can do it."