Arsenal star praises Everton duo after draw at Goodison

Thursday, November 29, 2012
12:28 PM

Thomas Vermaelen had mixed feelings after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton last night but admitted it is always tough coming up against players like Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavic.

Belgium international Fellaini fired in a long-range equaliser for Everton after Theo Walcott had put Arsenal into the lead after just one minute, while striker Jelavic was a troublesome presence up front.

Gunners skipper Vermaelen was disappointed not to come away with three points but was pleased with how Arsenal matched Everton’s physical threat.

“Every time when you come here, you have to fight really hard for the points,” he told Arsenal’s official website.

“You know it will be physical battle, with the likes of Fellaini and Jelavic up front.

“In the first minute we scored a good goal, and after that we dominated but gave them chances because we were a little bit sloppy with the ball. That was a bit disappointing.

“In the second half we were a little bit dangerous but didn’t create too many chances. In the end we got a point, I don’t know if we should be happy with that or not.

Despite dropping two points, Vermaelen was quick to praise Arsenal’s mentality. He said: “Mentality-wise, there is nothing wrong with the team.

“Everybody works hard and there is no one who doesn’t work for the team, and that will give you results. From that point of view I am very happy.”