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This week's Premier League news, a significant player has been issued a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled out a defender's mistakes to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Match Ban and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty for misconduct during a recent match versus Leeds United. The governing body said the player was referred a separate regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of away supporters around the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA release said: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct during their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved against the laws of the game and/or in an improper manner by using abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission handing down a four-game ban and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is no a problem for his club, pointing out that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always mention experience after we fail to win,” Maresca stated. “After we beat Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced players. I understand that if we lose, we are always looking for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Was he good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have learnt from a midweek thriller at Fulham with the game is now forgotten. The team survived for a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, prompting more questions about if they possess the defensive steel enough to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to allow so many goals. With the three goals by Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows the two sides, right? Therefore, always done many positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. And attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, our ratio of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s deal is much better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we wishes to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for at least another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving his suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't happen again as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I believe it is over and will not be repeated.”

He also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal centre-forward despite their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as an emergency number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|