🔗 Share this article

From the world of English football developments, a key player has been issued a significant suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment following a wild win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game suspension and a financial penalty following misconduct in a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission after an incident where he spat in the direction of away fans at the 67th point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the Premier League game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of the game and/or in an improper way and/or using offensive and/or indecent conduct by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is not an issue for his club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing poorly during a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

“People always mention a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I understand that when we lose, we are constantly looking for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their midweek thriller against Fulham with the episode is now in the past. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised further doubts about whether they possess resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow so many goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, we have we have done many positive things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks are being treated with some urgency.

“My first few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

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

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he himself admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|