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In the latest English football developments, a notable player has been given a substantial ban, a head coach has pointed to a defender's errors to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive betterment after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during a recent match versus Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred an independent disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting towards away supporters around the 67th point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or engaging in offensive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the panel imposed a four-game ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no a problem for his club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from having poorly in a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always mention experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I know that when we don’t win, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one for us in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their recent thriller at Fulham with the game is now forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts regarding if City possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows our versions, right? So, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks have assumed some importance.

“The initial few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much better than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s deal and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they face Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban for the red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't happen again because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, who are 18th before Saturday's matches. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We're battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|