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This week's English football news, a notable player has been given a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed to a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat towards away fans around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the Premier League game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the rules of the game or in an improper way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-match ban and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not an issue for his club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from playing poorly during a 3-1 loss against 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 case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced personnel. I know that if we lose, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from their recent thriller at Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, prompting more questions regarding if City possess the defensive steel required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to learn from what happens performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow so many goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? So, always we have done many good things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's talks have assumed some urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain out for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not happen again as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We are fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|