English Football Updates: Mejbri Suspended for Spitting; City Boss Insists 'Defence Has to Improve'
From the world of English football news, a notable player was handed a substantial suspension, a manager has singled to a player's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements following a chaotic victory.
Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine
The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game suspension and a £15,000 penalty for misconduct in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards visiting fans around the 67th point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.
A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their Premier League game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved in breach of the rules of football and/or in a poor manner by engaging in abusive and indecent conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”
It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.
Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Make an Argument
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from having poorly in a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.
The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.
“We always mention experience after we drop points,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”
Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”
3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'
Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from a recent scare at Fulham and the episode is now in the past. City survived to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.
This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts regarding whether City possess resilient required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and results and focus on what's next.”
“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not concede the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham it shows the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. But how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We must be better.”
4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts
The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.
That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some importance.
“My first few days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”
Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to be sidelined for at least a further period.
Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side face Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.
“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again as he himself acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”
He also understands the intense strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't hide it.”
6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino
Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
He scored Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|
