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This week's Premier League updates, a key midfielder was given a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements after an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match suspension 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 allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A release read: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the laws of the game and/or in a poor way and/or using abusive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction will be published in due course.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no a problem at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having a bad game in the loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their poor result. He presented his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, who delivered an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always talk about experience when we fail to win,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I understand that if we don’t win, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

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

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from a midweek thriller against Fulham with the game is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they fought off a comeback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, prompting more questions regarding whether they possess resilient enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? So, we have we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be out for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager said. “I am positive it will not happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant pressure on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift number nine because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|