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From the world of Premier League updates, a notable player has been handed a significant suspension, a manager has pointed to a defender's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game ban and a financial penalty following improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat towards visiting supporters at the 67th mark during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release said: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the rules of the game and/or in an improper way by using abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having poorly in the loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality was a factor in their setback. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always mention experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I understand that if we don’t win, we are always looking for the reason why, but I think why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from a midweek scare against Fulham and the episode has now been forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting more questions regarding whether they possess resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows our versions, correct? So, we have we have done many positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts have assumed some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe it is over and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when the club's usual strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|