Top-Flight Updates: Mejbri Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Says 'Back Line Has to Get Better'
In the latest English football developments, a notable player was issued a lengthy ban, a manager has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements following a wild win.
Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty
The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after allegations where he spat in the direction of away supporters at the 67th point of a 2-0 win for Burnley.
An FA statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their Premier League game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved in breach of the laws of the game or in a poor manner by using abusive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”
The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.
2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument
The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game during the loss to Leeds United.
The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.
“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”
He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”
Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'
The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have taken lessons from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.
Coming after they fought off a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised more questions regarding whether City possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”
“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows the two versions, right? So, always we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We have to improve.”
4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals
The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.
That has left Wilson to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks have assumed some urgency.
“My first few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”
Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be out for at least another week.
Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham
The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.
“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”
He also acknowledged the significant pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are battling for survival. We can't hide it.”
Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino
The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Merino found the net for the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|