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

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body said the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel following an incident where he spat towards away fans around the 67th point during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the top-flight match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the laws of the game and/or in a poor way by engaging in offensive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is not a problem for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I understand that when we lose, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts regarding whether they possess the defensive steel required to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows our sides, correct? Therefore, we have we have done many positive things. But how many attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving 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 prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks have assumed some importance.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for the side face Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular strikers return from injury. The midfielder 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 the first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|