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From the world of Premier League updates, a significant player was issued a significant ban, a manager has singled out a defender's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline improvements following a wild win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following misconduct in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A release said: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in the top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the laws of football and/or in a poor way by engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released in due course.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is not a problem for his club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in their poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player in the lineup, after he produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older players. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from a recent thriller against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. The team held on for a 5-4 victory in a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback to win 3-2 in the previous fixture, prompting further doubts about if they are resilient enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he said. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded we can see is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the match with Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We discussed it in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We are battling for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|