News Roundup 12/15/10 - The Slippery Pitch Edition

The first result on a Google Image search for "slippery pitch" is the Emirates... Pic via Flickr.

• So, the answer to the "What will Arsene Wenger blame the loss on that isn't the players?" game we played outside of the bar after Monday's match is "the pitch," which we did notice was fairly poor. I had thought United were wearing special boots specifically to handle the grease they added to the pitch before the match. But also, seriously, that doesn't explain why they didn't know what to do with the ball in the final third. [BBC, Guardian, Daily Telegraph]
• A snood-wearing Frenchman thinks Arsenal plays too flashy sometimes. [Sky Sports, Daily Telegraph]
• That same snood-wearer was named France's Player of the Year. Bear in mind that everyone that was with that team in South Africa was probably disqualified. [Sky Sports]
• Wojciech Szczesny is determined to make the fact that I learned how to spell his name months ago worthwhile by staying in the side. Yes, I tripled checked that sentence to avoid ironic typos. [Guardian]
• Speaking of goalkeepers, Arsenal and Manchester City are apparently keen on Blackpool keeper Matthew Gilks, who wants out of the seaside. Doesn't City have like eight goalkeepers? [Daily Mail]
• Surprise! Arsenal might be interested in a French center back! I am flabbergasted at that news. The man in question is Mamadou Sakho, who plays for PSG. But, apparently Barcelona are interested too. Shouldn't they, you know, finally pay us for Henry first?[Daily Mail]
• Stoke City fancies their chances at picking up a win at the Emirates on Saturday, since Newcastle and West Brom have done it this year. Well, obviously they would say that. The headline should read "Stoke Thinks They Can Win, Says Stoke Player." [The Sun]
• FA Youth Cup: Arsenal thrashed Darlington 6-1 yesterday, setting up a next round match with either Sunderland or Chelsea. Chuks Aneke had a hat trick. Benik Afobe had a brace. Defender Daniel Boateng scored a rare goal for Arsenal's sixth. [Arsenal.com]

News Roundup 1/13/10 - The Stealing More Than a Point From Everton Edition

Listen Everton, if you think you can just come in here and draw against us, then we're going to get some revenge, so watch your back! Pic via Daily Mirror.

• The Daily Mirror exclusive reports that Arsenal has signed Brazilian attacking midfielder (and their 17-year-old U21 captain) Samuel Galindo, who had been training with Everton. See what Arsene Wenger will do when you steal points at the Emirates? [Daily Mirror]
  
• More on the return of Sol Campbell from last night's reserves win at Upton Park, courtesy of Reserves manager Neil Banfield. [Arsenal.com]
• Finally, an article that specifically says Cesc Fabregas is "100%" for Sunday's fixture at Bolton. But 100% what? Awesome? Recyclable material? Oh, healthy... well, good! [ESPN Soccernet]
• More transfer news: Rumors of a £35m deal for 22-year-old striker Mauro Zarate, formerly of Birmingham City and currently with Lazio in Italy, are false, says Lazio. Well, of course they're going to say that. They're going to say that up until the point where he's physically signed the contract. Or is on the plane to Heathrow. [Guardian]
• Africa Cup of Nations: Alex Song and Cameroon lost 1-0 to Gabon in a shocking upset, with Gabon's goal coming early in the match (16') and completely against the run of play. [Guardian]
  
• Injury Update: Denilson out Sunday at Bolton with his "abdominal injury", but with Fabregas back in, that's pretty much a direct substitution change from the line-up against Everton. But as a pleasant surprise, Gael Clichy is apparently available. [Arsenal.com]