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."

Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea

Chelsea went five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League after a win over Arsenal on Sunday.


A Didier Drogba double strike and an own goal from Thomas Vermaelen handed the Blues their fifth successive league win and ripped up the Gunners' 100 per cent home record.

Arsenal dominated the first half and had an Andrey Arshavin goal disallowed but they could not break down a determined Chelsea defence, and remain one place behind local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.