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From the world of English football developments, a notable midfielder has been handed a substantial suspension, a head coach has pointed to a defender's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a wild win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards visiting supporters at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release said: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the laws of football or in a poor manner and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not a problem at team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in the setback. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, after he produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always mention experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that when we don’t win, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

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

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller against Fulham with the game is now in the past. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised more questions about whether they possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our sides, right? So, always we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

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

“My first few days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club would want 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 for the match with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for at least 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 the starting lineup when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We're battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|