Clichy - Now is the time

22 August 2009 12:19
Gael Clichy is backing 'tough man' Thomas Vermaelen to help Arsenal end their search for silverware. Centre-back Vermaelen has impressed during his first two games for the Gunners since signing from Ajax over the summer. Arsenal are without a trophy since 2005 and had been written off by many for the Premier League title this campaign. However, their 6-1 opening day win at Everton, followed by a UEFA Champions League win at Celtic, sent a message to their rivals, and Clichy is hopeful a trophy is on the horizon. The full-back told the Daily Star: "I think the first two games have shown people that the quality is there at Arsenal, and we can count on Arsenal to finish at the top at the end of the season. Hard man "But it's always the same. For four years now we've been saying, year after year, that 'this is the one'. "Now is the time for us to win trophies, whatever they are, the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup or the Carling Cup. "Now is the time for us to do something for the fans and for ourselves as well." On Belgium international Vermaelen, Clichy recalled an incident that saw the defender confront Arsenal forward Robin van Persie during a clash against Ajax two years ago. He said: "I remember him having a big argument with Robin because he was very much the hard man, the tough man. You need this. "To be a defender, you need a bit of this in your game and he's definitely got that. "He's good in the air, good on the ball and he looks like a great signing for us."

Source: SKY_Sports