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This week's Premier League news, a notable midfielder was given a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled out a player's errors to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following an erratic victory.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate regulatory commission following allegations where he spat towards away fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement read: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during the top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the rules of the game or in a poor manner and/or using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not a problem at club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing poorly during the loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in their poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I know that if we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but in my view why we lost to Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a recent thriller at Fulham and the game has now been in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions about whether City possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows our sides, correct? Therefore, always done many good things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions with important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks have assumed a certain urgency.

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be out for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not happen again because he himself acknowledged the error. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite the club's usual frontmen are fit again. The midfielder 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 the first goal versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|