Thomas Vermaelen liked the look of Laurent Koscielny after the duo combined for the first time against AC Milan.

Koscielny made his domestic debut in the pre-season Emirates Cup and was paired with senior man Vermaelen in the centre of defence - a combination that is expected to see the Gunners through the 2010/11 campaign.

The Frenchman seemed to have struck an immediate understanding with Vermaelen and the latter told Sky Sports News after the match:"He [Koscielny] played well.

"I knew that [he would], I saw it in training as well. He's good at marking, he's short, he's aggressive and that showed today."

The Belgian refused to be drawn into a discussion about who Wenger will start in the first BPL game against Liverpool on August 15.

"It's the boss's decisions who's going to play. We know each other's qualities, that shouldn't be a problem," he said.

Finally, Vermaelen reflected on the disappointing draw with AC Milan in the opening game of the Emirates Cup.

"We wanted to win, but we didn't so we are not that happy," he said.

However, Gunners' fans will be perked up by the display of their new signings. In addition to Koscielny's impressive debut, Marouane Chamakh scored his first goal in Arsenal colours.