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This week's English football news, a significant midfielder has been issued a substantial suspension, a manager has pointed out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following an erratic victory.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a financial fine for improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67th mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their Premier League game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the rules of football or in an improper manner by using offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from playing poorly during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always mention experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced players. I know that when we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? Who was? Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from a recent scare against Fulham with the game is now in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised further doubts regarding if City are the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad performances and results and focus on what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, so as not to allow so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? So, always done many positive things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“My first few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman for the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to be sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again as he himself admitted the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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