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This week's Premier League updates, a significant player was handed a substantial suspension, a head coach has pointed out a defender's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements after an erratic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a financial fine for improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission after allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the Premier League match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way and/or engaging in abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and a fine after a hearing. The panel's written reasons for the sanction will be published at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-placed 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 not a problem at team, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing a bad game in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in their poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced outfield player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience after we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I know that when we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have learnt from their recent thriller at Fulham and the episode is now in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 victory during a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they resisted a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting further doubts regarding whether City possess the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from what happens in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? Therefore, always done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

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

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman for the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension for the red card he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the intense strain facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|