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From the world of English football updates, a notable player has been issued a substantial ban, a head coach has pointed to a defender's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after a wild victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in October's match versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission following an incident where he spat towards visiting fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted against the rules of the game and/or in a poor manner by using abusive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The panel's full explanation for its decisions are to be released in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is no an issue at team, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game during the defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that inexperience played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that if we lose, people are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we lost to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

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

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek thriller against Fulham and the game is now forgotten. The team held on for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised more questions regarding whether they possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not allow the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our versions, right? So, we have done many positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks are being treated with some importance.

“The initial few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be out for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side face Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he himself acknowledged the error. We spoke about it internally. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must confront 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 leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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