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In the latest English football updates, a notable player was given a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment after an erratic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Ban and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine following misconduct in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association stated the player faced an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting in the direction of away supporters at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their Premier League match against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner by using abusive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

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

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from having poorly during the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced players. I know that if we lose, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory during a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a comeback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether they possess resilient enough to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “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 think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows the two sides, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of shots on target had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“My first few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman for the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for at least another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they play Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't happen again as he personally admitted the error. We spoke in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure on his side, who are 18th before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite their regular strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|