Premier League Headlines: Hannibal Banned for Spitting; Guardiola Says 'Back Line Has to Get Better'

In the latest English football developments, a key player has been issued a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled to a defender's errors to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting in the direction of away supporters at the 67th point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the laws of the game or in an improper manner by engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no a problem at club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always talk about experience when we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I know that when we don’t win, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek thriller at Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts regarding whether City possess resilient required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see our versions, right? So, always we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is significantly better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he himself acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|