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From the world of Premier League updates, a significant player was issued a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match suspension and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour in October's match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri was referred a separate regulatory commission following an incident where he spat towards away fans around the 67th mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release explained: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions in the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game or in an improper manner and/or engaging in offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and a fine following proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, now in 19th place in the table, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no a problem for his club, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from playing a bad game in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older players. I know that if we don’t win, people are always searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we were not good enough.”

He added, “Who was the oldest one for us in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? Therefore, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from a recent scare against Fulham with the game has now been in the past. City survived for a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting more questions about whether City possess resilient enough to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and results and focus on the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand the cause, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five goals against Fulham it shows the two sides, correct? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal negotiations involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal is much more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the match with Burnley on Saturday, with the defender expected to be out for at least another week.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to start when they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated because he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, who are in the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's matches. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We must face it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency No 9 due to injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second in a 2-0 win which preserved {their|