Top-Flight News: Hannibal Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Says 'Defence Has to Improve'
In the latest English football updates, a notable midfielder has been handed a substantial ban, a head coach has singled out a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive betterment following a wild win.
1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Fine
Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game ban and a financial fine for misconduct in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after allegations of spitting in the direction of away fans around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.
A release said: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the rules of football or in a poor manner and/or using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”
The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.
Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument
The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during the defeat to Leeds United.
Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.
“People always talk about experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we were not good enough.”
He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”
Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'
Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from a recent thriller against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour played.
Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised more questions about if City possess the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must take onboard what happens performances and bad things and think of what's next.”
“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows the two sides, right? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We must improve.”
Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts
The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.
This allows Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts have assumed some urgency.
“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”
Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be out for at least a further period.
5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for the side face Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.
“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”
Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”
Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino
The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
He scored Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|