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In the latest top-flight news, a notable player was handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment following a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced an independent disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the laws of football and/or in a poor way by using offensive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match ban and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in their setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, after he produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always talk about experience when we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older players. I know that if we don’t win, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the previous fixture, it raised further doubts regarding whether City possess resilient required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? So, always done many positive things. Yet how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some importance.

“My first few days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to remain out for another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

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

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to face it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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