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New Gunners star Vermaelen defends Gallas
Praise for team-mate from Belgian ace
SUMMER signing Thomas Vermaelen has revealed the secret behind the promising start to his Arsenal career – and it’s one that may surprise the fans.
The Belgian defender, who joined from Dutch side Ajax in a deal believed to be worth around £10million, has credited William Gallas for his settled start.
Vermaelen was instrumental in helping the Gunners keep a clean sheet away at Celtic on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
The tough-tackling 23-year-old showed great pace and awareness throughout and did well to thwart Scott Brown in one of the rare Celtic attacks.
Speaking after the win, Vermaelen praised Gallas, saying: “He is very experienced. For me it’s much easier to play in a side with him because of that.
“I have already learned a lot from him. I feel very pleased and we have a good team with good quality and I like the players. I’m settling in very well.”
The news will come as a surprise to some supporters who see Gallas as a disruptive figure within the club after continued reports that he had fallen out with former defensive partner Kolo Toure.
Toure has since left to join Manchester City, and Gallas is ready to win over his doubters, which he is doing in spectacular fashion with two goals in two games.
At Celtic Park a Cesc Fabregas free-kick on the stroke of half-time flew into the net off the back of Gallas as the defender crouched to avoid the ball.
Arsenal sealed a vital 2-0 lead ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates when Celtic skipper Gary Caldwell diverted a Gael Clichy cross into his own net. |
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