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From the world of top-flight news, a notable midfielder was given a significant ban, a head coach has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline improvements after a wild win.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match ban and a financial penalty for improper behaviour in a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting towards away supporters at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the laws of football or in a poor way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the panel imposed a four-game suspension and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, after he produced an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I know that if we don’t win, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from their midweek scare against Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. City held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions about if they possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand what happened, to not allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's talks are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they face Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't happen again as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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