Source: Team_Talk
Vermaelen: Arsenal must tighten up
The Gunners missed the chance to close right up on leaders Chelsea, whose match was postponed, when they were held to a 2-2 draw by an impressive Everton side at a snowy Emirates Stadium on Saturday.[LNB]But for a stoppage-time equaliser from substitute Tomas Rosicky, it would have been the visitors who were celebrating three hard-earned points.[LNB]Arsenal were exposed at the back when Leon Osman made the most of a free run in the six-yard box to head home Landon Donovan's corner, while the hosts were then caught on the break with eight minutes left by Steven Pienaar.[LNB]Vermaelen feels such lapses in concentration could ultimately prove costly for Arsene Wenger's men, now three points off the pace, but having played the same number of games.[LNB]"We are still there [in the title race]," he told BBC Sport.[LNB]"We remain in the top three and we have to be confident in our next few games."[LNB]Vermaelen added: "The [bad weather] is not to blame because the pitch was very good.[LNB]"We are disappointed because we were controlling and dictating the second half.[LNB]"Okay, we were not so good in the first half, we could not play our game and we conceded two stupid goals."[LNB]Arsenal are waiting on news of Denilson's injury, after the midfielder - just returned from a back problem - fell to the ground during the closing stages and had to be carried off.[LNB]Wenger described the situation as "mysterious", but the 21-year-old was walking freely after the match and remained hopeful of being fit in time to face Bolton on Sunday.[LNB]Captain Cesc Fabregas is expected to be available again following a hamstring problem for the visit to the Reebok Stadium, which will be the first match in charge for new Bolton manager Owen Coyle.[LNB]With Alex Song away at the African Nations Cup, some of the younger Arsenal players have a chance to stake their claim.[LNB]Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey was below his recent impressive form against Everton, while Spain youth international Fran Merida was a late replacement for Denilson.[LNB][LNB] Barclays Prem 2009/10 Win Outright: Arsenal 7/2
