English Football Updates: Mejbri Banned for Spitting; Guardiola Says 'Back Line Has to Improve'

This week's English football developments, a notable midfielder was given a substantial suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline improvements following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a financial penalty for misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced an independent disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting towards visiting supporters at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of football and/or in a poor manner and/or engaging in offensive and indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

“People always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced players. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their recent thriller against Fulham with the game has now been in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting more questions regarding if City possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our versions, right? So, we have done many positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense strain facing his team, who are 18th before Saturday's matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite the club's usual strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|