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From the world of top-flight news, a key player was handed a substantial ban, a manager has pointed out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after an erratic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game suspension and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission following an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting fans around the 67-minute point of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted in breach of the laws of football or in an improper manner by engaging in abusive and/or indecent conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this 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 an issue for his club, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I know that if we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we were not good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was 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 good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller against Fulham and the game is now in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a fightback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting more questions regarding whether they possess resilient enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? So, we have we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with a certain urgency.

“My first three or four days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that the club would want to extend Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not be repeated as he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense strain on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|