🔗 Share this article

This week's Premier League developments, a notable midfielder has been given a substantial suspension, a head coach has singled to a defender's errors to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline improvements after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match ban and a financial fine following improper behaviour in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting in the direction of away supporters around the 67th mark of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in their top-flight match with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted against the laws of the game and/or in a poor manner by using abusive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and £15,000 following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released in due course.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of seasoned players is not a problem for his club, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having poorly during a 3-1 loss to Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn display at the back.

“We always mention experience when we drop points,” Maresca said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was talking about experienced personnel. I know that when we lose, people are constantly searching for an explanation, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't at our best.”

Maresca continued, “Who was the most senior player on our team on the pitch? Who was? Was he good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 men, they were not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated his team have taken lessons from a midweek thriller against Fulham with the episode has now been forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 win during a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour played.

Coming after they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in their previous fixture, prompting more questions about if they are the defensive steel enough to mount a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from both good and bad in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not allow the goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? So, always done many positive things. Yet the number of attempts had Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts have assumed some importance.

“My first few days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than I had thought,” he stated. “But it’s well known that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is without Botman against the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to be out for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager said. “I am confident it will not be repeated because he himself admitted his mistake. We discussed it about it internally. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone ahead of the weekend matches. “We can't ignore it,” he said. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We're fighting for survival. We cannot hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place as Arsenal’s central striker despite the club's usual strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as a makeshift number nine because of injuries to 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 in a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|