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From the world of Premier League updates, a notable player has been handed a substantial suspension, a head coach has pointed out a player's errors to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements after a wild win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match suspension and a financial fine following improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following an incident where he spat towards away supporters around the 67th mark during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

A statement said: “An independent disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their Premier League match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way and/or using abusive and unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match ban and a fine following proceedings. The panel's full explanation for the sanction will be published at a later date.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue for his team, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest team in the division, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, after he produced a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I understand that if we lose, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we were not at our best.”

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

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent thriller at Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their previous game, prompting more questions about if City are resilient required to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must take onboard what happens performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand the cause, to not concede the goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham it shows the two versions, correct? So, always done many good things. But how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many shots on target for Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded is is high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's talks have assumed some urgency.

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

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when they play Brighton on Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't be repeated as he himself acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not happen again.”

He also understands the significant strain facing his team, who are 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It is the situation. We have to face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as an emergency No 9 due to fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for the second during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|