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This week's top-flight updates, a key player was issued a substantial suspension, a head coach has pointed to a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a financial penalty for misconduct during October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting towards away supporters around the 67th mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release read: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of football and/or in a poor way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-match suspension and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest team in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in their poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that if we don’t win, people are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

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

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from their recent scare at Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. City survived for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in their prior game, it raised more questions about if City possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows our sides, right? Therefore, we have done many positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we would want to extend Tino’s deal and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward even when the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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