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In the latest top-flight developments, a key player was given a substantial ban, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment following a wild win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game suspension and a financial penalty following improper behaviour during a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards away supporters at the 67th point of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during their Premier League game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he behaved in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, and the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

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

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue at team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older players. I understand that when we lose, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have taken lessons from a midweek thriller at Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. City held on for a 5-4 victory in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised more questions about whether they possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to analyse what happened, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham it shows our sides, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of good things. Yet the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much better than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

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

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't happen again as he himself admitted the error. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|