Premier League News: Thomas Vermaelen excited about Laurent Koscielny & Portsmouth beat Fulham 1-0
Arsenal’s young star Thomas Vermaelen has said that he is very impressed by the look of his new team mate, Laurent Koscielny. The two played together for the first time for Arsenal against Ac Milan in the pre season Emirates cup.
Laurent Koscielny on his first competitive match for Arsenal was placed at the heart of defence with Vermaelen. The duo is expected to lead the Gunners defence this season, after number of senior defender including Mikel Silvestre, William Gallas and Sol Campbell.
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager has always had a liking for players from his own homeland. The two defenders that are leaving Arsenal this season, Silvestre and Gallas also hail from France. This new young man is also from the same country and like his predecessors has impressed on his first appearance. Vermaelen who was the one closes to Koscielny, said that he loved what he saw.
Vermaelen said that he had been observing his new team mate in practice and knew he had a lot to offer. Vermaelen said that Koscielny was active in marking the players and he has a good aggressive approach to the game. The Belgian defender though did not comment too much about who the manager will chose to play in the opening game of the season. Arsenal plays their first match of the season against Liverpool on 15th of August.
Vermaelen said that this is a decision that the Boss will make, and he does not know what he will decide. He said looking at how the team has been doing pre season, it should not be a problem for Wenger.
Arsenal played a draw against AC Milan in the opening match of the Emirates cup. Vermaelen said that it is disappointing because the team did try hard for a win.
Arsenal fans however, were very pleased with what they saw on the pitch, new signing like Koscielny in defence and Marouane Chamakh in attack were quite brilliant. After the match, few Arsenal fans echoed mixed emotions. A 60 year old Arsenal fan who has seen number of generations play at the club said that the new lot looks good, and the debutants were very impressive for sure. He added that Arsenal does need to sign few big names to make this talented side into a trophy wining team. The fans made it clear that Arsene Wenger needs to do all he can to keep a hold of Fabregas, not just for this season but for many to come after this.
Meanwhile, Mark Hughes, who just signed to takeover Fulham, watched from the crowd as Fulham were outplayed in a pre season friendly by Portsmouth.
Fulham who had an outstanding season in 2009-10, under Roy Hodgson were a shadow of themselves, and were outplayed by a team that has an array of backroom issue. Portsmouth who will start new season in championship dominated the game from start to the end. Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson scored the only goal of the match, he used his head to good effect and converted Matt Ritchie's corner on the half hour mark.
Fulham though had their chances, the former Chelsea player Damien Duff went close twice but on the first occasion, he shot straight at the keeper, and late in the 2nd half with the goal at his mercy fired wide.
After the match, Mark Hughes said that he is looking forward to taking Fulham to the new season; he added that from his experience at Blackburn, he knows how to work with a team that is making its way up in the league. The former Manchester United Manager said that he liked the look of his squad and is confident that he can take them a long way in the upcoming season.
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