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In the latest top-flight updates, a notable player has been issued a significant ban, a manager has singled out a defender's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements after a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game suspension and a financial fine following improper behaviour in October's match versus Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri faced an independent disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67-minute point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the rules of football and/or in an improper manner and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, now 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly in a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“We always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I understand that when we lose, we are always looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek scare at Fulham and the episode is now in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in their prior fixture, prompting further doubts regarding whether City are resilient required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, always done many good things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't happen again because he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|