Arsene Wenger has backed Thomas Vermaelen to handle the hostile atmosphere when Arsenal face Portsmouth.
Defender's no-panic style important for Pompey clash, says boss
Arsene Wenger has backed Thomas Vermaelen to handle the hostile Fratton Park atmosphere when Arsenal take on Portsmouth on Wednesday.
The Gunners make the short journey to the South Coast in midweek after Sunday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa saw them continue their fine run in the Premier League which has seen them win four of their last five games.
Wenger knows the Pompey fixture will be no easy ride on a ground where Avram Grant's side beat Liverpool in their last home match in one of the most intimidating stadiums in the top flight.
It will be a new experience for Vermaelen, who has been undoubtedly one of the signings of the season, settling quickly alongside William Gallas in the heart of the Gunners defence since his £10million summer move from Ajax.
And Wenger believes the mild-mannered Belgian has led by example and he fully expects the 24-year-old to handle the occasion on Wednesday.
Determined
"Thomas is a very quiet boy, but very determined," said the Arsenal manager.
"I believe you see in every ball he plays. He is a good mixer with commitment and relaxed focus.
"That is very important when you play at the back, that you never panic, because panic is something which is contagious and he always looks to master that."
Under former Chelsea manager Grant, Pompey have produced some battling displays, notably when going down 2-1 at Stamford Bridge after being just 11 minutes away from a hard-earned point.
However, the defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham has, according to Wenger, made Arsenal's task on Wednesday night even more demanding.
Difficult game
"Portsmouth had a defeat on Boxing Day, and it was a big disappointment for them," said the Frenchman, who is likely to be missing captain Cesc Fabregas because of a hamstring problem he aggravated in the win against Villa.
"They were direct competitors with West Ham and they lost. But Portsmouth is always a difficult place to go anyway.
"I watched them against Liverpool and you need to turn up and to come out with a top performance."
French midfielder Abou Diaby netted a fine third during stoppage time with a powerful run and fine finish against Villa.
Wenger feels the 23-year-old, who has battled back from a broken ankle during May 2006, has grown in stature and has called upon the Gunners performer to fill the void left by the injury to Fabregas.
"Since the beginning of the season, I have always played him when I have the opportunity," the Arsenal manager said.
"He looks to grow, with his touch and now he is dominating the fight.
"What is very interesting in this formation is that in Fabregas and Diaby, you have not one but two players who are good runners, can come out from deep and score goals."
