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From the world of top-flight updates, a key player was issued a lengthy ban, a head coach has singled to a defender's errors to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a financial fine following misconduct in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting towards away supporters at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release read: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of football and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having poorly during the loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Did he play any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek thriller against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they resisted a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions about whether City possess resilient enough to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? Therefore, always done many positive things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain urgency.

“My first few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when they face Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the intense strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|