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In the latest top-flight news, a notable midfielder has been handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a defender's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a wild win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a financial penalty following misconduct during October's match against Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting towards away supporters at the 67th point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game or in a poor way by using offensive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-game ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

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

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is not a problem for his club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from playing a bad game in the loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that inexperience played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always mention experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that if we lose, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s 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? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller against Fulham with the episode is now in the past. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, prompting more questions about whether City possess the defensive steel required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to learn from what happens performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to concede so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five against Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, always done many positive things. Yet the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement 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 deal was much more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

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

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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