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In the latest top-flight updates, a notable midfielder has been handed a significant suspension, a manager has pointed out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game suspension and a financial penalty for improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards visiting fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved against the rules of the game and/or in a poor manner by using offensive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no an issue for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, after he produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always mention a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I know that if we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we were not good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team in the match? Who was? Was he any good? So, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have taken lessons from a midweek thriller against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts about whether City possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to understand what happened, so as not to concede so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We must 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 backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some urgency.

“The initial few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to remain sidelined for at least another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for they face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I believe it is over and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We must confront it. We are battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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