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This week's English football news, a notable player was handed a significant ban, a head coach has pointed to a defender's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment after an erratic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour during October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat towards away fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement read: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during the Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the rules of the game or in a poor way by engaging in offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is not an issue at team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from playing poorly in the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced players. I know that if we don’t win, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from a recent thriller against Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised further doubts about whether they are resilient enough to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five against Fulham you can see our versions, correct? Therefore, always done many positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions 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 was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was much more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't happen again as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when their regular strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|