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From the world of English football news, a key player has been given a lengthy ban, a head coach has singled out a player's errors to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty following misconduct in October's match against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards away fans around the 67th point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved against the rules of the game or in an improper manner by engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-match ban and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not an issue for his club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their poor result. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I understand that if we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view why we lost against Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we were not good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

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

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 win in a incredible clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions about whether City are the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see our sides, correct? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's talks have assumed some urgency.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he himself acknowledged the error. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen are fit again. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|