Wenger praises defensive duo

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has hailed the central defensive partnership of William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen. Last season Frenchman Gallas' Arsenal future was in doubt after he was stripped of the captaincy but Wenger has praised his compatriot for his attitude and quality.
Wenger said: "William Gallas has had a fine start to the season, which is down to both his attitude and the quality of the player,

"It can happen that any player has highs and lows in his career, but I must say his form now is a consequence of the way he behaves every day.

"He behaves 100% as a professional and is highly focused in training."

Vermaelen, a summer recruit from Dutch giants Ajax, has settled in to the Arsenal team quickly and Wenger believes he has already formed a formidable partnership with Gallas.

He added: "The partnership between William and Thomas Vermaelen has gelled more quickly than I expected,

"This is for two reasons; first of all, Vermaelen adapted faster, and secondly William fits more comfortably on the right side of a central defence than on the left."