Thomas Vermaelen disagrees with Arsene Wenger over supporters

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has gone against manager Arsene Wenger's views by heaping praise on the club's supporters.

The French boss was critical of the Gunners faithful for 'creating a negative atmosphere' during the side's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

However, the Belgian international has thanked the fans for their support in the match against the Premier League champions.

"[The fans' backing] is really important and I'm pleased with that," Vermaelen said.

"That can give us a massive boost that they're behind us, and they did that through the whole game.

"It was difficult for us because we had 10 men, and for them as well, but they supported us through the whole game."

Arsenal are back in action at the Emirates when they host Swansea in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night.