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From the world of Premier League news, a notable midfielder was handed a substantial ban, a manager has pointed to a player's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements following a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match suspension and a financial fine following improper behaviour during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced an independent disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting fans at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A statement explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and unacceptable conduct by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no an issue at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player in the lineup, after he produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“People always mention experience when we fail to win,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning experienced players. I understand that if we lose, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a recent thriller at Fulham with the episode is now in the past. City held on for a 5-4 win in a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts about if City possess resilient required to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five against Fulham it shows the two versions, right? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was significantly better than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that the club would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for another week.

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it internally. I am positive it is over and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure on his side, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win which preserved {their|