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From the world of Premier League news, a notable midfielder was given a significant suspension, a manager has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match suspension and a financial penalty for misconduct in a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission after allegations where he spat towards away supporters at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A release said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during their Premier League match with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the rules of football and/or in an improper manner and/or using offensive and/or unacceptable conduct through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, now 19th in the Premier League table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no a problem at club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, who produced a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“We always talk about experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we don’t win, we are always looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

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

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have learnt from their recent scare against Fulham with the episode is now forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised further doubts about if they are resilient enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Good lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, one must learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham you can see our versions, correct? So, always we have done many good things. But how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

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

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman for the match against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to be out for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

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

“It is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he himself acknowledged the error. We discussed it about it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure on his side, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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