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In the latest Premier League developments, a notable midfielder was given a lengthy suspension, a manager has pointed out a player's mistakes to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has demanded backline betterment after an erratic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game suspension and a financial fine following improper behaviour during October's fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association said the player faced an independent disciplinary panel after allegations where he spat towards away fans at the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A statement read: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their top-flight game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he behaved in breach of the laws of the game and/or in a poor manner and/or engaging in offensive and/or unacceptable conduct by spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and a fine following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue for his club, highlighting that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop the 28-year-old from having a bad game in the defeat to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player on the pitch, after he produced an error-strewn display in central defence.

“People always talk about experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we lose, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds is not because of the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

Maresca continued, “Who is the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? So, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have learnt from their midweek scare against Fulham with the game is now forgotten. City held on to claim a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions about whether they are resilient enough to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” he admitted. “We are trying to analyse the cause, to not allow the goals. With the three goals scored against Leeds, and the five goals against Fulham it shows our sides, right? So, we have done many good things. Yet how many shots on target did Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham ? Five, six? So, our ratio of shots conceded we can see too high. We must improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal that runs to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, Newcastle's talks are being treated with some urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman for the home game against Burnley on Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when the side face Brighton this Sunday, having completed his suspension for the sending-off against Liverpool.

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

He also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, currently 18th before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to face it. We are battling for our top-flight status. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency number nine because of fitness issues to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|