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From the world of top-flight developments, a notable player has been handed a significant ban, a manager has pointed out a defender's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-match ban and a financial penalty for improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body said the player faced a separate regulatory commission following an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A release read: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper way by engaging in abusive and unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is no an issue for his team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having poorly in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I know that if we lose, people are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the game is now in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see our sides, correct? Therefore, always we have done many positive things. But the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain importance.

“The initial few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he himself acknowledged the error. We spoke about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the intense pressure on his side, who are 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|