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This week's Premier League updates, a significant player has been given a substantial ban, a manager has singled to a player's errors to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements after a chaotic victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match ban and a financial fine for improper behaviour during a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting towards visiting fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release said: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during the Premier League match against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved against the rules of football and/or in an improper way and/or using offensive and/or indecent behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released in due course.” The team, now 19th in the standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that not having experience is not an issue for his club, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always talk about a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced personnel. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one on our team on the pitch? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham and the game is now in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether City are resilient enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Good lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens performances and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, so as not to allow the goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? Therefore, always done many positive things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda at St James’ Park. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks have assumed some importance.

“My first few days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for the side play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager said. “I am confident it won't be repeated as he personally admitted his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We're battling for survival. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|