The Citizens picked up their first win away to Arsenal in 37 years on Sunday, with goals from James Milner and Edin Dzeko enough to consign the Gunners, who played majority of the game with 10 men following the early dismissal of defender Laurent Koscielny for a professional foul, to their fifth defeat of the season.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Gunners did not sit back and, led by the exemplary Wilshere in midfield, put up a huge fight in the second half against the defending Premier League champions.
Following Wilshere’s gutsy display on Sunday, Vermaelen praised 21-year-old, who had only recently made his comeback from an injury which sidelined him for 14 months, and claimed the England international could be one of the best midfielders in the world.
“I think Jack did well on Sunday,” Vermaelen told the official Arsenal website. “For him and for Abou [Diaby] it was not easy with 10 men, they had to run a lot. Jack did well and he worked hard.
“You can see that since he came back he is growing and growing. And I think at the moment he is at a good level. “He is a world-class midfielder and he can only get better because he is young, coming back from more than a year out with injury.
“So I am very confident he will come back really strong.” The Belgian international also expressed his joy at seeing Diaby make his return from injury and predicted the French international to make a positive difference for the Gunners this season.
“He [Diaby] brings us some physique: he is a strong guy, a strong lad,” Vermaelen added. “He can play as well, he is technically very strong.
“I am really happy he is back in the team and I am hopeful [he will be back] for a long time.” Arsenal will take on Chelsea in their next Premier League fixture.
