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This week's English football updates, a key player was given a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled to a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a wild victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game suspension and a financial fine for misconduct during October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the top-flight game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way by using abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem at club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in their setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I know that when we lose, people are always looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we were not good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team in the match? Who was? Did he play good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from a midweek thriller against Fulham with the game has now been in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win in a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether City possess resilient enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the match with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they face Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

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

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