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In the latest top-flight news, a key midfielder has been given a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements following an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Ban and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-game suspension and a financial fine for misconduct during a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat in the direction of away fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement read: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the laws of the game or in a poor manner by using abusive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine after a hearing. The panel's full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no a problem for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in the loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, after he delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I know that when we don’t win, 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 were not good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team in the match? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from their midweek scare against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised more questions regarding whether they are the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, 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 try to analyse what happened, so as not to concede the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows our sides, right? Therefore, always done plenty of good things. Yet the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it won't happen again as he himself acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain facing his team, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|