News Roundup 1/11/10 - The Tom Vermaelen Will Destroy You Edition

Oh, he was still with Ajax then. That makes more sense. Pic via Gunnerblog.

• After yesterday's "Optimist Twist," Arsenal center-back and bad ass Tom Vermaelen gives us the pessimist twist, telling the BBC, "We are still there [in the title race]. We remain in the top three and we have to be confident in our next few games. ... OK, we were not so good in the first half, we could not play our game and we conceded two stupid goals." Basically, he means, "if we play like that again, it's all over, and I will personally punch you all in the face." [Guardian]
• From that same Guardian article: No news on Denilson yet, though he insists he'll be ready for Bolton on Sunday. Fabregas is set to return from his hamstring problem as well.
• Arsene Wenger is very disappointed in the lack of progress on Fran Merida's contract negotiations. Oh, and you, of course. [Arsenal.com]
• Africa Cup of Nations Update: Despite a few opportunities, Emmanuel Eboue and the rest of the Ivory Coast squad were held scoreless in a frustrating match against Burkina Faso. [FIFA]
• No 700-year-old former Gunner Patrick Vieira for Manchester City as they host Blackburn Rovers in like 10 minutes. He's out with a calf injury. His mobility scooter is also broken. [Guardian]