Premier League Headlines: Hannibal Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Insists 'Back Line Has to Improve'
From the world of English football news, a notable midfielder has been given a significant ban, a manager has singled out a player's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive betterment following a wild win.
Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Fine
The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine following misconduct during October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred a separate regulatory commission following allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.
A statement explained: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their top-flight game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the laws of football or in a poor manner by using offensive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”
The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and a fine following a hearing. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.
2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove an Argument
The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no an issue at club, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having poorly during the loss against Leeds United.
Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.
“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced players. I know that when we lose, people are always looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s 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 his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”
Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'
The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek scare at Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.
This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised further doubts about whether City possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”
“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows our versions, correct? So, we have we have done many good things. But the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”
Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals
Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important 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 reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.
That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.
“The initial few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”
Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain out for at least a further period.
5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton
The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.
“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”
Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”
Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino
The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
He scored Arsenal’s opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|