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In the latest Premier League updates, a notable midfielder was handed a significant ban, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty following improper behaviour in October's fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri faced an independent regulatory commission after an incident of spitting towards away fans around the 67th mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A statement explained: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the Premier League match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the rules of the game and/or in a poor way and/or engaging in abusive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's full explanation for its decisions will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly in a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always talk about experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the oldest one for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek scare at Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised further doubts about whether City are resilient required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and results and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand what happened, to not concede the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows the two versions, right? So, always done plenty of good things. Yet how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some importance.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I found that Sandro’s deal was significantly better than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the match with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when the side play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he personally admitted the error. We discussed it about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We must confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|