🔗 Share this article

In the latest English football news, a notable player has been given a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a player's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive betterment following a wild victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting in the direction of away supporters at the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release said: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved in breach of the laws of football or in an improper way and/or using abusive and indecent conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-game suspension and a fine after a hearing. The panel's full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no a problem at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, after he produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always mention experience when we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I understand that if we don’t win, people are always looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we were not good enough.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior game, it raised more questions about whether City are the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have done plenty of good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with some urgency.

“My first few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the match with Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't happen again as he personally acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|