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This week's English football news, a notable player has been issued a significant ban, a head coach has pointed to a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment following a wild win.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Match Ban and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a financial penalty for misconduct in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission following allegations where he spat in the direction of away supporters around the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A statement read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of the game and/or in an improper manner by engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 following a hearing. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is no a problem for his club, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the Premier League, does not feel 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 performance in central defence.

“We always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I understand that when we don’t win, people are always looking for an explanation, but I think why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. The team survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts regarding if they possess resilient enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't happen again because he himself admitted the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend matches. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|