'I'll give everything to win back place'- Vermaelen-

The captain had to be content with a place among the substitutes for the 2-0 victories over Bayern Munich and Swansea City, with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker being preferred by Arsène Wenger in the centre-back positions.

Vermaelen believes that the way to win his first-team spot is through hard work and dedication.

                                                       Arsenal Skipper, Thomas Vermaelen

"It's just something that happens in football, especially when you play for a big club," he told the official matchday programme.

"I always want to play, of course, but the boss has big decisions to make and puts the team on the pitch that he thinks will win the game. It worked on both of those occasions, and each time I was delighted that we won.

"I'm fighting to win my place back, and nothing will change my mentality or the way I work - I will give everything every day, as I have throughout my career."

The Belgian admits that eyebrows were raised back home about his omission, but he believes that such things are easily blown out of proportion.

"When I was with the national team recently people were asking me questions, but there's no drama," he said.

"I've played many games in my career, and spending two on the bench does not mean the world is on fire! You can't be surprised by these things; the only thing to do is keep going and make sure you come back strongly." via arsenal.com