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In the latest Premier League news, a notable player has been given a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled to a player's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment following a wild win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour during a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67th point during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA release said: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way and/or engaging in offensive and indecent conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful team in the Premier League, does not feel that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced player in the lineup, after he produced a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always talk about experience when we drop points,” Maresca stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we lose, we are always looking for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't at our best.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Was he any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from their midweek scare against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a incredible clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts regarding if City possess the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not allow the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five against Fulham it shows our versions, correct? So, always we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded is too high. We must improve.”

Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to prioritise negotiations 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 have assumed some urgency.

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is much better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the home game with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup for they play Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he personally acknowledged the error. We spoke in the dressing room. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, who are 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It is a reality. We must confront it. We're battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as an emergency number nine due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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