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Vermaelen - No reason to lose confidence

Thomas Vermaelen
Thomas Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen admits Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United was a “missed opportunity” - but he insists there is no reason for the side to lose confidence.

The Gunners had gone 15 matches unbeaten away from home prior to Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

While Vermaelen was disappointed with the result, he says that with a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League there is no need to panic.

"We're still top and need to keep the confidence we've had over the last couple of weeks. There's no reason for that to change dramatically"

Thomas Vermaelen

“We lost the game to a set-piece and that's a bit frustrating,” the Belgian said. “Neither side really created too many chances. We didn't play well enough in possession of the ball to create any chances or score goals.

“We wanted to win the game and went to Old Trafford to do that. We were eight points ahead of United going into the match and had the chance to make it 11 points. It was a bit of a missed opportunity.

“But we're still top of the league and need to keep the confidence we've had over the last couple of weeks. There's no reason for that to change dramatically. We're still confident we can win games and we have a long way to go.”

Vermaelen was brought into the team after Per Mertesacker was taken ill and the Belgian was satisfied with his performance at Old Trafford.

“It wasn't hard. I go into every game ready to play,” he said. “I always make sure I'm mentally ready and physically ready, so for me it wasn't difficult.

“I knew it could happen at any moment so I'm always ready. I've been saying it for weeks and months and all of a sudden it happened.

“I'm always positive. What I have said is that it is not about my situation but what the team does and I'm really happy that we're top of the league. Personally I'm still confident I can play for this club and every chance I get I will do a job for this club.”