🔗 Share this article

This week's Premier League developments, a significant player has been given a significant suspension, a manager has pointed out a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline betterment after a wild victory.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been handed a four-match ban and a financial penalty for improper behaviour during a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri was referred an independent regulatory commission following allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A statement explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during the top-flight game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of football or in a poor way by engaging in offensive and/or indecent conduct through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-match ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not an issue for his club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's oldest player on the pitch, after he delivered a mistake-riddled display in central defence.

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

He added, “Who was the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Did he play any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted his team have learnt from their recent thriller against Fulham and the episode is now in the past. The team held on to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with almost 60 minutes played.

Coming after they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” he said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to understand the cause, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five goals by Fulham it shows our sides, correct? So, always we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is is high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made contract discussions with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his agenda for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, the club's talks are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much better than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

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

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he himself admitted the error. We discussed it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense strain on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot shy away from it.”

Arteta Impressed by No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s central striker despite their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as an emergency No 9 because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|