Top-Flight Headlines: Hannibal Suspended for Spitting; Guardiola Insists 'Back Line Has to Improve'

In the latest top-flight updates, a significant midfielder was given a substantial ban, a manager has singled to a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour during October's fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player faced a separate regulatory commission after allegations of spitting towards visiting supporters at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the rules of the game and/or in a poor manner by engaging in offensive and unacceptable conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 after a hearing. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no an issue for his team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I know that if we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Was he any good? So, it’s not about experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from a recent thriller at Fulham and the game is now forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a fightback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, it raised more questions about whether City are the defensive steel enough to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, we have done many positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain out for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side face Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant pressure facing his team, who are 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|