Arsene Wenger has called for his Arsenal players to follow the example of cool centre-back Thomas Vermaelen and not “panic” should things get tough against relegation battlers Portsmouth at Fratton Park tomorrow night.

The Gunners — likely to be missing captain Cesc Fabregas because of a hamstring problem — will be out to avoid suffering the same fate as Liverpool, who were beaten 2-0 on their trip to the south coast just before Christmas.

Wenger has been full of praise for the way his young side have hauled themselves back into the title race with four wins from five league games.

However, the Arsenal manager knows it will be no easy ride at Fratton Park — one of the most intimidating stadiums in the top flight where the fans are so close to the thick of the action.

It will be a new experience for Vermaelen, who has settled quickly alongside William Gallas since his summer move from Ajax.

Wenger believes the mild-mannered Belgian has led by example.

“Thomas is a very quiet boy, but very determined,” said the Arsenal manager.

“I believe you see in every ball he plays. He is a good mixer with commitment and relaxed focus.

“That is very important when you play at the back, that you never panic — because panic is something which is contagious and he always looks to master that.”

Under former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, Pompey have produced some battling displays, notably when going down 2-1 at Stamford Bridge after being just 11 minutes away from a hard-earned point.

However, the defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham has, according to Wenger, made Arsenal’s task tomorrow even more demanding.

“They were direct competitors with West Ham and they lost. But Portsmouth is always a difficult place to go anyway.

“I watched them against Liverpool and you need to turn up and to come out with a top performance.”