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This week's top-flight updates, a notable midfielder has been given a substantial suspension, a manager has pointed to a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine for misconduct in October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated the player faced an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting in the direction of away fans at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted in breach of the laws of football and/or in an improper manner and/or using offensive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with 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.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

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

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is no a problem for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I know that when we lose, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from their midweek scare against Fulham with the game has now been forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous game, prompting more questions regarding if they possess resilient required to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard what happens performances and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham you can see our sides, right? Therefore, we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's talks have assumed some importance.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain out for at least another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|