Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no doubt Jens Lehmann can handle the pressure of the title run-in after his last-minute call to the veteran yesterday.
Wenger was forced to throw the 41-year-old, only recently coaxed out of retirement to provide emergency cover, into a must-win Barclays Premier League encounter at Blackpool after first-choice Manuel Almunia was injured in the warm-up.
The German, making his first Gunners appearance in three years, initially had little to do as his side established a 2-0 lead with a commanding first-half display at Bloomfield Road.
He then survived a few nervy moments as the visitors went on to record a 3-1 win that cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the table to seven points with a game in hand.
Wenger, who will have Almunia's fitness assessed today, said: "I was not concerned because I replaced a good goalkeeper with a good goalkeeper.
"He did well. His decision-making was spot on. He did not have a lot to do because we controlled the game quite well. He is commanding, organising and an authority.
"We suffered a few set-pieces and on that front he is exceptionally good."
Arsenal were in complete control at half-time, leading after strikes from Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue.
Blackpool responded with their customary zeal, replaying through Gary Taylor-Fletcher after referee Lee Mason allowed advantage when Lehmann appeared to bring down DJ Campbell.
Lehmann was perhaps lucky not to be sent off but Blackpool were more aggrieved that another penalty decision went against them moments later when Laurent Koscielny caught Taylor-Fletcher.
Blackpool, just a point above the relegation zone and desperate for a result, continued to press forward and had further chances before Robin van Persie settled Arsenal nerves 14 minutes from time.
Wenger is confident the Gunners can keep up the pressure on leaders United.
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He said: "I think we can maintain it because we have now a big rest then we play Liverpool on Sunday and Tottenham the Wednesday after.
"We know every game we will have to give 100% to win it."
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway went into the referee's room to speak to Mason after the game.
"It was very amicable," Holloway said. "I was very calm, I can't afford not to be. "I can't describe how I feel. How that is not a penalty I just do not know, to be perfectly blunt."
The Tangerines' form remains a serious concern after just one win in 12 games.
Holloway added: "I'll shut up. Let's get on with it and have another go against Wigan next week. There are an awful lot of points still to play for."
