Vermaelen rues 'missed opportunity' against Manchester United

Arsenal was too nervous against Manchester United, Wenger says Goal.com Vermaelen not considering Arsenal exit Goal.com Giggs: Manchester United not underdogs against Arsenal Goal.com Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Final score 1-0, Gunners shut out for the first time SB Nation Cleverley: Arsenal win puts Manchester United back in title mix Goal.com Thomas Vermaelen has rued Arsenal's "missed opportunity" in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, but has backed the Gunners to recover from the loss quickly.

The north London club had been unbeaten since losing to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, moving to the summit of the Premier League, but fell to a first-half Robin van Persie header at Old Trafford.

Vermaelen admits the player were disappointed with both their performance and their failure to move 11 points clear of the reigning champion, but is adamant that confidence is still high.

"We lost the game to a set piece and that's a bit frustrating," the Belgian told the club's official website. "Neither side really created too many chances. We didn't play well enough in possession of the ball to create any chances or score goals. We wanted to win the game and went to Old Trafford to do that. We were eight points ahead of United going into the match and had the chance to make it 11 points. It was a bit of a missed opportunity.

"But we're still top of the league and need to keep the confidence we've had over the last couple of weeks. There's no reason for that to change dramatically. We're still confident we can win games and we have a long way to go."

Vermaelen was a late replacement for Per Mertesacker, who was ill before the match, and insists he was fully fit and ready to make his first Premier League appearance of the season.

"It wasn't hard. I go into every game ready to play," the Belgian added. "I always make sure I'm mentally ready and physically ready, so for me it wasn't difficult. I knew it could happen at any moment so I'm always ready. I've been saying it for weeks and months and all of a sudden it happened.

"I'm always positive. What I have said is that it is not about my situation but what the team does and I'm really happy that we're top of the league. Personally I'm still confident I can play for this club and every chance I get I will do a job for this club."