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From the world of top-flight updates, a key midfielder has been issued a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a player's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements after an erratic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game suspension and a financial fine following misconduct during October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting in the direction of visiting fans around the 67th mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the laws of the game or in a poor manner and/or using offensive and/or indecent conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the panel handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions will be published in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is no an issue for his club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the poor result. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“We always talk about experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced players. I know that when we lose, people are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from their midweek scare at Fulham and the game is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to concede the goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? Therefore, always done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“My first few days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we would want to renew Tino’s deal and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the match against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it internally. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, who are 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to face it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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