Thomas Vermaelen says he's learned plenty from having the Arsenal captaincy this season.

Whether playing or not, Vermaelen is determined to be the best skipper he possibly can.

"I'm approaching the end of my first season as Arsenal captain, and I've certainly learned a lot," he told the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"It's been a new experience for me and I've taken plenty from it. Of course it's been disappointing, on a personal level, not to be playing much over the last few weeks - but again, that's something you learn from and you make sure to take positives from it."