🔗 Share this article

This week's English football updates, a significant midfielder has been issued a substantial suspension, a manager has singled out a defender's errors to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment following an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 penalty following improper behaviour during October's fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards away supporters at the 67th point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during the Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the laws of football or in an improper way and/or using abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released in due course.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not a problem for his team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always mention experience when we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I know that when we don’t win, we are always looking for an explanation, but I think the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from a midweek scare at Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win in a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised further doubts regarding if they possess the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, one must learn from what happens performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to concede so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows our sides, right? So, always done plenty of positive things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not be repeated as he himself admitted his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|