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This week's English football news, a key player has been given a significant ban, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 penalty following misconduct in October's fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting in the direction of away supporters around the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the laws of the game or in a poor manner by engaging in abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game suspension and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, now 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is not a problem at club, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest team in the Premier League, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I know that if we lose, we are constantly looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have taken lessons from their midweek scare at Fulham with the game has now been forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

This followed they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised further doubts regarding if City possess resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows our versions, right? So, we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that the club wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain out for a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|