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This week's Premier League updates, a significant player has been handed a lengthy suspension, a head coach has pointed to a player's errors to prove a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive improvements following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour in October's fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player was referred an independent disciplinary panel following allegations where he spat in the direction of away supporters at the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight match with Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that the player behaved against the rules of the game and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the panel handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is no an issue for his team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing poorly during the loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality was a factor in the setback. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“People always mention a lack of experience when we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I know that if we don’t win, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think why we lost to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we were not at our best.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it isn't related to his age. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from their recent thriller against Fulham and the episode is now in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, it raised further doubts about if they are resilient required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and think of what's next.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. With the three goals against Leeds, and five goals against Fulham you can see the two versions, right? Therefore, we have we have done many good things. Yet the number of shots on target did Leeds ? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise on Livramento and Botman Contracts

The Magpies' new football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions involving key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

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

“My first few days in the job is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is well known that the club would want to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman for the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he likely to be out for a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it will not happen again as he personally admitted the error. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We are battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|