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From the world of top-flight news, a significant midfielder has been issued a significant ban, a manager has singled to a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour in October's match against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA release read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of football and/or in an improper way by engaging in offensive and indecent conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is not an issue for his team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having a bad game in the defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, after he produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I understand that when we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. City survived for a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts regarding if City are resilient enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial few days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be out for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the significant pressure on his side, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual frontmen are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of injuries for 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 goal during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|