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From the world of Premier League updates, a significant midfielder has been given a substantial suspension, a manager has singled to a player's errors to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-match ban and a financial fine for improper behaviour in October's match against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player faced a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters at the 67-minute point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA statement read: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in their top-flight game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted in breach of the laws of football and/or in a poor manner by engaging in abusive and unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel imposed a four-match suspension and a fine following a hearing. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing poorly during the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in their setback. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, after he produced a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

“People always talk about experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about older players. I know that when we don’t win, we are constantly searching 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 was the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from their recent scare at Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the prior game, prompting more questions regarding if City possess the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows our sides, correct? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. He arrived from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

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

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s deal was significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to be sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he himself admitted his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the significant pressure facing his team, who are in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to confront it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual strikers return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 win that maintained {their|