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From the world of English football news, a key player was issued a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled out a player's mistakes to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a financial penalty following misconduct during October's fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body said the player faced an independent regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards visiting supporters at the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is not an issue at club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always mention experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced 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 was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised further doubts regarding if City possess the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he personally admitted the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite their regular strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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