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From the world of top-flight updates, a significant player has been given a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled to a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment after a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for misconduct during a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting towards visiting fans at the 67th point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their top-flight match against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the laws of the game or in a poor way and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-game ban and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue for his team, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having a bad game during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“People always mention a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I know that when we lose, people are constantly searching for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from a recent thriller against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts about if City are the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, to not allow the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have done many good things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|