This week's Premier League updates, a significant midfielder was given a substantial suspension, a manager has singled out a player's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements after a chaotic win.
Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty
The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat towards away fans at the 67th point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.
A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of football and/or in an improper manner by using offensive and unacceptable conduct through spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”
It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.
2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Make a Point
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his club, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from having a bad game in the loss against Leeds United.
Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the setback. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn display in central defence.
“We always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced players. I know that when we lose, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not good enough.”
He added, “Who was the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”
Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Improve'
The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek thriller against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour gone.
Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts about if they possess the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”
“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to analyse what happened, to not concede the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows the two versions, right? So, we have done many positive things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”
Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts
Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.
This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some urgency.
“My first three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was much more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that the club wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”
Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain out for a further period.
5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.
“That incident is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it will not happen again as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”
He also understands the intense pressure on his side, who are 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to face it. We are battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”
Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino
Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite the club's usual strikers 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 Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|
