Arsenal's Belgian international defender actually announced his arrival in English football with a goal. Everton were the opponents, and Goodison Park was the venue, with Arsenal trouncing their Mersey opponents 6-1. Vermaelen's popularity increased to the extent of Arsene Wenger naming him as club captain after the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United. He then got a brace during Arsenal's 4-0 at home to Wigan. His first season ended with eight goals in 45 appearances, and he even earned an inclusion in the PFA Team of The Season for 2009-10. The following term was a bit of a personal disaster for Vermaelen, as he managed only five appearances due to numerous injury problems. Fortunately, the 2011-12 season saw a return to the heartbeat of the defence, and a promotion to vice-captain. Another six goals came the Belgian's way, and midway through the season he signed a contract extension. During this season he even scored both goals in a 1-1 draw, with an equaliser salvaging a point after his own-goal put Arsenal in hot water. Unfortunately, the captaincy coincided with a loss of form in the subsequent season. He is yet to recover his first-choice place since Per Mertesaker and Laurent Koscielny nailed down their own partnership. With Arsenal topping the table for long periods of the season, Vermaelen has been linked with a move away from London.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
