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In the latest Premier League news, a key player has been given a lengthy ban, a manager has singled out a player's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements after an erratic win.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was handed a four-match ban and a £15,000 fine for misconduct in a recent match against Leeds United. The Football Association said the player was referred an independent regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA statement read: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their Premier League match against Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in a poor way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri later admitted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-match suspension and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no a problem for his team, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having poorly during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“People always mention experience when we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I understand that when we lose, we are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view why we lost against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Did he play good? So, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a recent scare at Fulham with the game has now been in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised more questions about if City possess resilient required to sustain a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse what happened, to not allow the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see the two sides, right? So, we have we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not good. And attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on talks for Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal set to expire in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s deal was significantly more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when they face Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again because he personally admitted the error. We spoke in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, currently in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We can't avoid it,” he said. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when their regular frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as an emergency number nine because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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