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This week's top-flight news, a key midfielder has been given a significant ban, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment following an erratic win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game suspension and a financial fine for misconduct in a recent match against Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following an incident where he spat in the direction of away fans at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the rules of football and/or in an improper manner by using abusive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

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

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue at team, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing a bad game during the loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“We always talk about experience when we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced players. I understand that when we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we lost against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we were not good enough.”

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

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in the previous fixture, prompting more questions regarding if City are resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? So, always we have done many good things. Yet the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain importance.

“The initial few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we would want to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be out for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not be repeated as he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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