'Koscielny, Vermaelen more than centre backs'

Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen are more than just stoppers - they are cultured footballers. That's the verdict of Arsène Wenger following another stellar performance from his defensive duo at Everton on Wednesday night. Vermaelen powered in a header for the only goal of the game and kept Everton at bay alongside the equally impressive Koscielny. Wenger agrees there is much to admire about his current centre-back pairing, not least their ability on the ball. "They look solid and I think they have a good balance defensively and offensively," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "They can both play with the ball as well and for us that is very important for the basis of our game. It starts at the back and they have the quality to do that as well. "Defensively they are not the tallest but they have a fantastic leap and both of them have good pace. Vermaelen looks like a frustrated centre forward because he has the timing to get into the box as well."