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From the world of top-flight news, a notable midfielder was handed a substantial ban, a manager has pointed out a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline improvements following a wild victory.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine following misconduct during a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat towards visiting supporters at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their Premier League match against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the rules of football and/or in a poor way and/or using abusive and/or indecent conduct through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game during the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that inexperience played a part in their poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, after he produced an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that if we lose, we are constantly searching 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.”

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

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have learnt from a midweek thriller against Fulham and the episode has now been in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions regarding whether they possess the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not concede so many goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our sides, correct? Therefore, we have done many positive things. But how many attempts had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured that playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with some importance.

“The initial few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for the side face Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban following a red card he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the significant strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We have to face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|