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From the world of top-flight updates, a key midfielder has been issued a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed to a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game ban and a financial penalty for improper behaviour in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A statement said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the laws of the game or in an improper manner and/or using abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is not an issue for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from playing a bad game during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in their poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

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

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek thriller against Fulham and the game is now in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts regarding whether they are resilient required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? So, we have we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for the side play Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't happen again because he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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