Top-Flight News: Hannibal Banned for Misconduct; City Boss Says 'Back Line Has to Get Better'
From the world of top-flight developments, a significant midfielder has been handed a significant ban, a manager has pointed to a defender's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment after an erratic win.
Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty
Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in October's match versus Leeds United. The Football Association stated the player was referred an independent regulatory commission after allegations where he spat towards away supporters around the 67th point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.
An FA release read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their Premier League game with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of the game or in a poor manner by using abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”
The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.
Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove a Point
The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no a problem for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from playing a bad game during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.
Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in their poor result. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled display in central defence.
“We always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older players. I know that if we don’t win, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think 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 was the oldest one for us in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”
3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'
The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from a recent thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.
Coming after they resisted a comeback to win 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts regarding whether they possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on what's next.”
“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows our versions, right? So, we have done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. And attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is is high. We must be better.”
Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals
The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.
That has left Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's talks have assumed a certain importance.
“My first few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”
Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to be out for at least a further period.
Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton
West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban following a red card against Liverpool.
“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”
He also understands the significant strain facing his team, who are 18th before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”
Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino
Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
He scored the first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|
