Top-Flight News: Mejbri Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Insists 'Defence Has to Get Better'

From the world of top-flight updates, a key midfielder has been given a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed out a defender's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player faced an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting towards away supporters around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted in breach of the laws of football and/or in an improper way by engaging in offensive and/or indecent conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, now 19th in the table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach 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 prevent him from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the setback. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we were not good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from their midweek scare at Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised more questions regarding if City are resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows the two sides, right? So, we have done many good things. But how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise 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 are being treated with a certain importance.

“The initial few days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than the one I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that the club wishes to extend Tino’s deal and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he himself admitted 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 ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|