English Football Updates: Hannibal Suspended for Misconduct; Guardiola Insists 'Back Line Must Improve'

This week's top-flight developments, a significant midfielder was handed a substantial ban, a head coach has pointed to a defender's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements following an erratic victory.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player faced a separate disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of football and/or in a poor manner and/or engaging in abusive and indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not an issue for his team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always mention experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced players. I know that when we don’t win, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek thriller at Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts regarding whether City are resilient enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and results and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? Therefore, we have done plenty of good things. But how many attempts had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with a certain urgency.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club would want to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of 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 their second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|