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This week's top-flight news, a key player has been issued a substantial ban, a manager has singled out a player's errors to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements after an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game ban and a financial penalty following misconduct in October's match against Leeds United. The governing body said the player faced a separate disciplinary panel after allegations of spitting in the direction of away supporters around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way and/or engaging in abusive and indecent behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, now 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue 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 most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, after he delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced players. I know that if we lose, we are always searching for the reason why, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

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

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised further doubts about whether City possess the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to understand the cause, so as not to allow the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows our versions, correct? Therefore, always done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. He arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not be repeated as he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the significant pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|