Arsenal FC

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Vermaelen focused on Europe

17 Aug 2009 - 16:03:57

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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen claims his team-mates have forgotten about their 6-1 hammering of Everton on Saturday, as they approach a Champions League qualifier with Celtic.

The Belgium international netted on his competitive debut for the Gunners at Goodison Park on Saturday, part of a performance which caused the Gunners' rivals to sit up and take notice.

But Arsenal have had little time to celebrate their victory over the Toffees as they make the trip to Parkhead to take on Celtic on Tuesday evening.

And Vermaelen admitted that the Everton match would have to be banished from his team-mates' minds ahead of a vital European encounter.

"Of course the Everton result is good for our spirit but already we are looking towards Tuesday," the 23-year-old defender told the Evening Standard.

"We can be happy with this but now we have to be focused on qualifying for the Champions League. It is not going to be easy.

"Celtic are a good team and we will have to be on top of our game to beat them.

"I joined Arsenal to play in the Champions League, it is important for every player and club to be there.

"I think it will be similar to Goodison Park, with a fanatical crowd and we will have to play the same as we did against Everton.

"We will have to be physical again and also play our own game."