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From the world of top-flight updates, a key player has been issued a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed out a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment following a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game suspension and a £15,000 penalty following improper behaviour in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body said the player was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat towards visiting fans around the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper way by using offensive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is no a problem for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly in the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that when we don’t win, people are always looking for an explanation, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player on our team in the match? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek thriller against Fulham and the game has now been in the past. City held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts about if they possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not allow so many goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see the two sides, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks have assumed some importance.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not be repeated as he personally acknowledged the error. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|