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In the latest English football updates, a notable midfielder was given a significant ban, a manager has singled out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive betterment after an erratic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards away supporters around the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the rules of football and/or in a poor manner and/or using abusive and/or indecent conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not a problem for his club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from having a bad game during the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He made his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always mention experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that if we don’t win, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts about whether City are resilient required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and the five against Fulham it shows the two sides, correct? So, we have done many good things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with some importance.

“The initial few days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s deal was much better than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that the club wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the red card against Liverpool.

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

Nuno also understands the intense strain on his side, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to face it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|