🔗 Share this article

This week's top-flight updates, a notable midfielder was given a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a wild win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match ban and a financial penalty following misconduct during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting towards away supporters at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved in breach of the rules of football or in an improper way and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue for his team, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game during the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we lose, we are constantly looking for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we were not good enough.”

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

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek thriller against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, prompting more questions about whether City are resilient enough to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from what happens performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, always done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

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

“The initial few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they play Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We have to face it. We are fighting for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|