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This week's Premier League news, a key player has been handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following an erratic victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-match suspension and a financial penalty following misconduct during a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA statement read: “A Regulatory Commission has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or using abusive and unacceptable behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United supporters.”

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

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having experience is not an issue at club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having a bad game during the defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, after he delivered a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that if we don’t win, we are always looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It’s about those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from a recent scare against Fulham with the episode has now been in the past. City held on to claim a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a fightback and won 3-2 in the previous game, prompting further doubts regarding if they are the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. At this level, for every team, you have to learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse the cause, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see our versions, correct? So, we have done many positive things. Yet the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much better than the one I was expecting,” he stated. “However, it is well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for a further period.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving a ban for the sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the significant strain facing his team, currently 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must confront it. We are fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second goal in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|