Premier League Headlines: Hannibal Suspended for Misconduct; Guardiola Says 'Back Line Must Get Better'

This week's Premier League news, a key midfielder has been handed a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards away supporters at the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A statement read: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game or in an improper manner by using offensive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, and the panel imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no a problem at club, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in the defeat to Leeds United.

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

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced personnel. I understand that when we lose, people are constantly searching for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their recent thriller against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised more questions about whether they possess resilient required to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows our sides, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to be sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for they face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged the error. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|