Premier League Headlines: Hannibal Suspended for Misconduct; City Boss Says 'Defence Must Improve'

This week's English football news, a key midfielder was handed a significant ban, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements following an erratic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty following improper behaviour in a recent match versus Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced an independent regulatory commission following allegations of spitting in the direction of away fans around the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release read: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their Premier League game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the laws of football or in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no a problem at team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game in the loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always mention experience after we fail to win,” the coach said. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced personnel. I know that if we don’t win, people are always searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from a midweek scare at Fulham with the game is now forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 victory during a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

This followed they fought off a comeback to win 3-2 in the prior fixture, it raised further doubts regarding whether they are the defensive steel required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows our versions, correct? Therefore, we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain importance.

“The initial few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be out for a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|