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In the latest top-flight updates, a significant midfielder was handed a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed out a defender's errors to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements after a wild win.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Ban and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game suspension and a financial fine for misconduct during a recent match versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri faced an independent regulatory commission following an incident of spitting towards away supporters around the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release read: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during the Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor manner by using offensive and indecent conduct through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 following a hearing. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not an issue at team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly during the loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He made his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest 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 stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I understand that when we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win 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 on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller at Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised more questions about whether they are the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows the two versions, right? So, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and we 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 this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|