English Football News: Hannibal Suspended for Misconduct; Guardiola Insists 'Back Line Has to Get Better'

In the latest Premier League developments, a significant player has been given a significant ban, a head coach has pointed to a player's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after a wild win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match ban and a financial fine for improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards visiting fans around the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the top-flight match with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved in breach of the rules of football or in a poor way and/or using offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not a problem for his team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“We always mention experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I know that when we lose, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have taken lessons from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions about if they possess the defensive steel required to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to learn from what happens performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five against Fulham it shows our versions, correct? So, always done many good things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much better than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to remain out for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I believe the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|