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From the world of top-flight news, a notable midfielder was given a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled to a defender's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following an erratic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine for misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body said Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission following an incident where he spat towards away fans at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A release explained: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted in breach of the rules of football or in an improper way and/or using abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and a fine following proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having a bad game in a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we fail to win,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I know that when we don’t win, people are always looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost to Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from a recent thriller at Fulham with the game is now in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, prompting further doubts regarding if City possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to understand what happened, so as not to concede so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is is high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that the club wishes to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to be sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't happen again as he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke internally. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We are fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|