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This week's English football news, a notable midfielder was handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled out a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a wild win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game suspension and a financial penalty for improper behaviour during a recent match versus Leeds United. The Football Association stated the player was referred an independent regulatory commission after allegations where he spat in the direction of away fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A statement explained: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way by engaging in abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-game ban and a fine following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no a problem for his club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game in the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always talk about experience after we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, we are always looking for the reason why, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham with the game is now in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, prompting more questions regarding whether they are the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” 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 focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, always done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it will not happen again as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual strikers return from injury. 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 before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|