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This week's top-flight updates, a key midfielder was given a substantial ban, a head coach has singled out a defender's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements after an erratic win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a financial fine for misconduct in a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the Premier League game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way by engaging in offensive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is not an issue for his team, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from playing poorly in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in their poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I understand that if we lose, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their midweek thriller at Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. The team held on for a 5-4 victory in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a comeback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether they possess the defensive steel required to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see our sides, correct? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. Yet the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they face Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I believe it is over and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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