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From the world of English football news, a notable player has been given a substantial suspension, a manager has singled to a defender's errors to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements after an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following misconduct during October's match against Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced an independent regulatory commission following an incident where he spat in the direction of away supporters around the 67th point of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of the game or in a poor manner by using offensive and/or indecent conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation 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 Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his team, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having a bad game during the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I know that when we don’t win, we are always searching for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have taken lessons from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the previous fixture, prompting more questions about whether City are the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he commented. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows our sides, right? Therefore, always we have done many good things. Yet the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks have assumed some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' 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 for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it won't happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We have to face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

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

Merino found the net for the opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|