Published: 30 August, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

THOMAS Vermaelen insists Arsenal can take plenty of positives from their start to the season, despite having so far failed to find the back of the net.  
The newly elected skipper has played his part in the opening two games by helping the Gunners keep clean sheets at home against Sunderland and away at Stoke.

But the goalless draws have come with criticism as Arsene Wenger’s shot-shy side failed to make the most of games in which they had the upper hand.

With a testing trip to Anfield coming up on Sunday to face Liverpool, Vermaelen is, however, adamant that the club is moving in the right direction.
“There is always pressure to win a game at Arsenal because we want to win every one,” he said.

“But you have to look at the positives as well: our shape is really good and we haven’t conceded any goals in two games.

“That is not easy, especially at a place like Stoke, so we have to keep on working and in the end the results will come. I think the team will get stronger and stronger every game now.

“Normally our strengths are scoring goals. On Sunday we had enough chances to score a goal and, in the end, I think we deserved it.

“That is why the draw is a little bit disappointing.”

Reflecting on the impact made so far by summer signings Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, Vermaelen added: “Coming to England is not easy and you have to adapt, but I am really pleased with them. They are three good signings and they are working hard to get fitter and stronger”.