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In the latest English football updates, a key player was given a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled to a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release read: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the rules of football or in a poor way by using abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the panel imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is not an issue at club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from playing poorly in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older players. I understand that when we don’t win, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller against Fulham with the game has now been forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they resisted a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts about if they are the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he said. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows our sides, right? So, always we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

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

“My first few days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing 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 the second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|