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In the latest top-flight updates, a notable player was issued a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment after a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match suspension and a financial penalty for improper behaviour during a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body said the player was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the Premier League game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the laws of the game and/or in a poor manner by using abusive and indecent conduct by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is no a problem for his team, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing poorly in the defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we fail to win,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we lose, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view why we lost against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their recent thriller against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting more questions about if they possess resilient enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? So, always done plenty of positive things. Yet how many attempts had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded we can see is high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain out for at least another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban following a red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it will not happen again because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|