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In the latest Premier League developments, a significant player was given a significant ban, a head coach has singled to a defender's errors to prove an argument, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements after a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Fine

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour in October's match versus Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player faced an independent regulatory commission after an incident of spitting in the direction of away fans at the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in their top-flight game against Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that the player acted against the rules of the game or in a poor manner by engaging in abusive and unacceptable conduct by spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri later accepted the charge, and the panel handing down a four-game suspension and a fine after a hearing. The panel's full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” The team, now in 19th place in the table, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove a Point

The Blues' head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue at club, pointing out how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not stop him from having poorly in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“People always mention experience after we fail to win,” the coach stated. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced personnel. I know that when we lose, we are always searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we lost against Leeds was not down to inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one for us on the pitch? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from a midweek scare against Fulham and the game is now forgotten. City held on for a 5-4 win during a remarkable encounter on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

This followed they fought off a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in their prior game, it raised more questions about whether they are resilient enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five against Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, always we have done plenty of positive things. But how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise negotiations with Livramento and Botman's agents. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain importance.

“My first three or four days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than I was expecting,” he stated. “But it’s no secret that we would want to renew Tino’s contract and we would want to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the match against Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup when they play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he himself acknowledged the error. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

He also understands the significant pressure on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular frontmen are fit again. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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