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In the latest top-flight updates, a significant player has been given a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Match Ban and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-game ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player faced an independent disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting towards away fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the Premier League game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the laws of the game and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at team, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having a bad game during the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, after he delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I understand that if we lose, we are always searching for the reason why, but in my view why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from a recent scare against Fulham with the episode is now in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 win during a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised further doubts regarding if City are resilient enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see our versions, right? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

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

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they play Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense strain on his side, currently 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|