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From the world of top-flight updates, a notable midfielder was given a lengthy ban, a manager has pointed to a player's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment following an erratic victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty following misconduct during October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of away supporters at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the laws of football or in an improper manner by engaging in abusive and/or indecent conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

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

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I understand that if we lose, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

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

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the game is now forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win in a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting more questions regarding if City possess resilient enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse what happened, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift 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 the second in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|