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From the world of English football developments, a key player was issued a lengthy suspension, a head coach has singled out a player's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements after an erratic win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game ban and a financial fine following misconduct in October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting towards away fans at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the laws of football and/or in a poor manner by engaging in offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his club, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in their poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, we are always looking for an explanation, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from their recent scare at Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win during a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

Coming after they resisted a comeback and won 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts about if they possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows our sides, correct? So, always done plenty of good things. But how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s deal and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to be out for another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he himself acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when the club's usual strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|