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From the world of top-flight news, a key player was issued a substantial ban, a manager has pointed to a player's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission following allegations of spitting towards visiting fans around the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A release explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the laws of the game or in a poor manner and/or using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue for his team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having poorly in a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced players. I know that if we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one 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.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller against Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions regarding if they possess the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham it shows our sides, correct? So, always done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much better than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain out for another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|