Gunners duo earn manager’s respect

Despite the pundits tipping Arsenal for another difficult season following the club's drab goalless draw away to Newcastle yesterday, manager Arsene Wenger is content with his players' efforts, particularly those in the much criticized Gunners defense.

The boss singled out first-choice defensive pairing of Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny for praise, insisting that the two players must be lauded for helping goalkeeper Wojciech Szceszny keep an impressive clean sheet in a difficult atmosphere at St.

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