Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen feels a settled back four has been key to their successful form turnaround.

The likes of Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Vermaelen have all returned from injuries at various stages of the season and the Belgium international believes the subsequent results have been telling.

"It is always positive when you can use the same players at the back and don't have to change too much," Vermaelen told the Official Arsenal Matchday Programme. "I think things have gone well in the last few months.

"It wasn't good that we conceded twice against QPR and Wigan but there has been an improvement.

"Our players are getting better and growing in experience, we're getting to know each other more and I'm happy with how things are progressing defensively."