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From the world of English football developments, a significant midfielder was issued a substantial ban, a manager has singled to a defender's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline betterment following an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty following misconduct in a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting towards visiting fans around the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A release explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved in breach of the laws of the game or in a poor manner and/or using offensive and indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no an issue at club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“We always mention experience when we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I know that when we lose, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we were not at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Was he any good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a recent thriller at Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a comeback to win 3-2 in the previous fixture, prompting more questions about whether they possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to concede so many goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows the two sides, right? Therefore, we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some importance.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was significantly better than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

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

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again because he personally admitted the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|