Premier League Headlines: Hannibal Banned for Misconduct; Guardiola Says 'Back Line Has to Get Better'
This week's Premier League updates, a key player was given a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed to a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment after an erratic win.
1. Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty
The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour during October's match versus Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred an independent regulatory commission following allegations of spitting in the direction of away fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 win for Burnley.
A release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their Premier League game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the rules of football and/or in a poor manner and/or engaging in offensive and indecent behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”
It added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.
Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is not a problem for his club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from playing a bad game in the defeat against Leeds United.
The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He made his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.
“We always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I know that if we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”
He added, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”
Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Improve'
Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from their midweek thriller against Fulham and the game is now in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.
Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised more questions about whether they possess resilient enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and think of what's next.”
“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our versions, correct? So, always done many positive things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We have to improve.”
Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts
Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.
This allows Wilson free to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's talks have assumed a certain importance.
“The initial three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”
Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for another week.
5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton
The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.
“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't happen again because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it about it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”
He also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We must face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”
6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino
The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
He scored the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|