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From the world of Premier League news, a significant player has been handed a substantial suspension, a manager has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for backline improvements following a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during October's fixture against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player was referred an independent regulatory commission after allegations where he spat towards visiting supporters around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during the Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in an improper manner by using abusive and indecent conduct by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game ban and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is not an issue at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always mention a lack of experience when we fail to win,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I understand that when we don’t win, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player on our team in the match? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, at all the clubs, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, so as not to allow the goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and five against Fulham it shows our versions, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with some urgency.

“The initial few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

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

Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

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

He also acknowledged the significant pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|