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This week's English football news, a significant player has been handed a lengthy ban, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine following misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat towards visiting supporters at the 67th mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release read: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the rules of the game and/or in a poor manner by engaging in offensive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following a hearing. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always mention a lack of experience after we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we lost to 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 in the match? Who was? Did he play good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions regarding whether they are resilient required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from what happens performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? Therefore, always we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain importance.

“The initial few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much better than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain on his side, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|