Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is delighted with his first season in England.

The Belgium international has been a revelation since his summer arrival from Ajax.

He said: "I am really ­enjoying it and the ­manager has given me a lot of confidence.

"And I love the game in England. Every game is difficult and you have to give 100 per cent. I'm pleased because you never know how it'll go in your first season.

"The football is at a ­really high level and I like the physical part of the game. The referees allow you to tackle."