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From the world of top-flight news, a key player was issued a lengthy ban, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following a wild win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game suspension and a financial fine following misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards away fans at the 67th mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way by engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-game ban and a fine after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not an issue at team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always mention experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I know that if we lose, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

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

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from a recent scare against Fulham with the episode is now in the past. City survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must take onboard what happens performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? So, always done many good things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“The initial three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't happen again as he himself admitted the error. We spoke in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are 18th before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|