🔗 Share this article

In the latest English football updates, a significant midfielder has been handed a substantial suspension, a manager has singled to a defender's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game ban and a financial fine for misconduct during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting towards visiting fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release read: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having a bad game during the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always mention experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that when we lose, people are always looking for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? So, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

This followed they fought off a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts about whether City are the defensive steel required to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? So, always we have done many good things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some importance.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to be sidelined for another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a red card he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he personally acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We are battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues to 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 victory which preserved {their|