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In the latest top-flight developments, a notable player was issued a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline betterment after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following an incident where he spat in the direction of away supporters at the 67th mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the laws of the game and/or in a poor manner and/or using abusive and indecent conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 following proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in their poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I understand that if we don’t win, we are always searching for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? Who was? Did he play good? Therefore, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham and the game is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 victory in a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting more questions about if they possess resilient required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to understand the cause, so as not to concede so many goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? So, we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. He arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks have assumed some importance.

“The initial three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't happen again because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, who are 18th before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|