Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's progress to the Champions League final is the result of almost a decade of hard work.

Wenger had never taken the Gunners beyond the quarter-finals before this season. But last night's goalless draw in Villarreal was enough to clinch a place in the final against AC Milan or Barcelona, who play in Spain tonight.

Jens Lehmann was the hero with a late penalty save to preserve the 1-0 lead from the first leg and make it 10 clean sheets in a row in Europe.

Wenger said: "It completes a work of nine and a half years and a lot of effort. It is a reward for my staff and people who work with me. I have had the support of the board no matter what decisions I made in all these years. The best way to reward them all is to go into the final and win it."

Arsenal's league form has been inconsistent but they have been exceptional in Europe and are confident they can lift the trophy won by Liverpool last year.

Wenger said: "I am happy because there was a big doubt about Arsenal in Europe for years, even when we were dominating in the championship. That's why I am very happy that finally we have got there when nobody expects us to and with a side who had no chance at the start.

"We have knocked Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal out and we have every right to believe we can win the final."

Lehmann saved a 90th-minute penalty from Villarreal's Argentinean playmaker Riquelme to take the club to their first ever European Cup final, in Paris on May 17th.

He refused to listen to advice offered by captain Thierry Henry before the spot-kick.

Lehmann said: "When you are in football you can be in hell and rise to heaven just like that. A couple of days ago I said to myself 'Riquelme will take penalties and I will go to my left because of his body-shape'.

"Thierry gave me a tip but I ignored it."

Arsenal were not happy with the penalty decision, given for a foul by Gael Clichy on Jose Mari.

Wenger said: "It looked like a generous decision but then I said to myself, 'if it's our year, Jens will save it'. With his strength of character I knew he wouldn't be beaten easily. There was a lot of pressure on Riquelme and there was fatigue.

"It comes down to psychological reasons when a guy is under pressure like Riquelme was. I felt he wanted to just hit the target and not put it in the corner because he was scared to miss.

"Jens guessed the right side and overall it was more about a poker game than training. Jens has shown what a great keeper he has been for the whole season. I am pleased because when a guy shows professionalism and a winning attitude you want him to be rewarded."