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From the world of Premier League updates, a key player has been given a significant ban, a head coach has singled out a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game ban and a financial fine for misconduct in October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67th point of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game or in an improper way and/or engaging in abusive and indecent conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine following a hearing. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no an issue at team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, after he delivered an error-strewn display at the back.

“People always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced personnel. I understand that if we lose, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? So, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have taken lessons from a midweek scare against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, prompting further doubts about whether they possess the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. At this level, at all the clubs, one must take onboard what happens in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand what happened, to not allow 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 the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. How many attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded we can see too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four 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 contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman for the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he himself admitted the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We must confront it. We're battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in 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 a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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