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In the latest top-flight updates, a key midfielder has been handed a substantial suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat towards away fans at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the laws of the game and/or in a poor manner and/or using offensive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions will be published in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue for his club, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player on the pitch, after he delivered an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I know that if we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from a midweek scare at Fulham with the game is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts regarding if they are resilient enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal is much better than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

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

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for the side play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|