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In the latest Premier League updates, a notable midfielder has been handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed to a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following a wild win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a financial penalty for improper behaviour during a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting in the direction of away fans around the 67th point of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement read: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way by engaging in abusive and unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, now 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having poorly in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that mentality was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, people are always searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play good? So, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from a recent scare against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. City survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they resisted a comeback to win 3-2 in their prior fixture, it raised more questions about if City are the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, one must learn from what happens in the good things and results and focus on what's next.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse what happened, to not allow the goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and the five against Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? Therefore, always we have done plenty of good things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some importance.

“My first few days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s well known that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We can't avoid it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We're battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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