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From the world of English football developments, a significant midfielder was given a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a player's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a wild victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced an independent disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their Premier League game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the laws of the game or in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue at team, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced players. I know that if we lose, we are constantly looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from a recent thriller at Fulham and the game is now in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts about whether they are the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows our versions, correct? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s deal is significantly better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for at least another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban following a red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke about it internally. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, currently 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|