Vermaelen - We must perform in every game

Thomas Vermaelen is about to embark on his second season in English football and the departure of four Arsenal defenders during the summer makes him the senior centre back at Emirates Stadium.

The Belgian is relishing the challenge and was in positive mood when he spoke to Arsenal TV Online at the launch for Arsenal's new Charity of the Season, Centrepoint.

Thomas discussed:

* the mood in the squad
* the advantage of hosting a pre-season tournament
* whether there is more pressure on him
* how he feels ahead of his second season
*what went wrong in 2009/10
* why he thinks this season will be different
* the title contenders
* Manchester City's spending power

Vermaelen - Two men with a point to prove

Thomas Vermaelen says Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott will want to prove a point after the pair were left out of their national squads for the World Cup.

The defender believes their exclusions could benefit Arsenal this season and reports that they have been looking fresh in pre-season training so far.

During a recent visit to Centrepoint, Arsenal's new Charity of the Season, Vermaelen was asked if Walcott would have extra motivation after his England disappointment.

"Of course," he replied. "Every player wants to be in the national team. He is very motivated, Samir as well. In pre-season you can see that they are fresh and they are playing very well at the moment.

"But for them they wanted to be at the World Cup. Physically they will be fresher and 100 per cent for Arsenal this season."