Cup heroics will help Arsenal’s league form, declares Vermaelen

Thomas Vermaelen is convinced that Arsenal’s FA Cup comeback against Aston Villa can help the Gunners improve their Premier League form.

First-half goals from Richard Dunne and Darren Bent appeared to leave Arsenal on the brink of elimination from the competition heading into the break in Sunday’s fourth-round clash.

But Robin van Persie’s two penalties, one either side of Theo Walcott’s deflected goal early in the second half helped seal a 3-2 victory and set up a clash with Middlesbrough or Sunderland in the next round.

And Vermaelen expects Arsène Wenger’s side to be on a high as the north Londoners bid to end a three-game losing streak in the league by beating Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok on Wednesday.

“It always gives you confidence if you get a good comeback win,” the Belgian defender told Arsenal’s website.

“Even the game itself gave us confidence because we played better than last weekend against Manchester United.”

“When we had the ball we were better, we put our opponents under pressure and the result gives us even more confidence. It is great for us.

“We have lost three games in a row in the league, so that is why it was good that we won today. It gives us confidence for the next game, so we will fight hard on Wednesday and try to get the three points.”