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From the world of English football updates, a key player was issued a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after an erratic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine for misconduct in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during the top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the laws of the game or in an improper way by engaging in abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, and the panel imposed a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no a problem at club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having poorly during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that when we lose, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the game is now forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts about whether they possess resilient enough to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to concede so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our sides, correct? Therefore, always we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when they play Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't happen again because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We have to confront it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries 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 that maintained {their|