English Football Updates: Hannibal Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Insists 'Defence Must Improve'
From the world of top-flight updates, a significant player has been issued a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed out a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline improvements following an erratic win.
1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Ban and Fine
Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred an independent regulatory commission following an incident of spitting towards visiting supporters around the 67th point during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.
A statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted in breach of the rules of football and/or in a poor manner and/or using offensive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”
It added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and a fine following a hearing. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.
Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Make a Point
The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not an issue at club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having a bad game during the loss against Leeds United.
Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled display in central defence.
“We always mention a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach said. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”
He added, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”
Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'
The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham with the game is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.
Coming after they fought off a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts regarding if City possess resilient required to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”
“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see our sides, right? So, always done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”
Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts
The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.
This allows Wilson free to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks are being treated with some urgency.
“My first few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”
Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.
Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham
The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the red card against Liverpool.
“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't happen again because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and it will not be repeated.”
He also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”
6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino
Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|
