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From the world of top-flight updates, a significant midfielder has been handed a lengthy ban, a head coach has singled to a defender's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment following an erratic win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for misconduct during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri faced an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting in the direction of visiting fans around the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release said: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the laws of the game and/or in an improper way and/or using abusive and indecent behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-game ban and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is not a problem for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the game has now been forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and five against Fulham you can see our sides, correct? So, always we have done many good things. But the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, 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 is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“The initial few days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than the one I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

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

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain on his side, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|