🔗 Share this article

In the latest Premier League developments, a key player was given a lengthy ban, a head coach has pointed out a player's mistakes to make a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following a wild victory.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour during October's match versus Leeds United. The Football Association confirmed Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel after an incident where he spat in the direction of visiting fans at the 67-minute mark during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

An FA statement said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for misconduct in the top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the laws of football and/or in an improper manner by using abusive and indecent behaviour through spitting towards the area of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-game suspension and £15,000 after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently 19th in the Premier League standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Make an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of seasoned players is not an issue at team, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having a bad game during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, does not feel that mentality played a part in the setback. He made his argument by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who delivered a mistake-riddled performance at the back.

“We always talk about a lack of experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “After we defeated Barcelona, we drew with Arsenal, no one was talking about experienced personnel. I know that if we lose, we are constantly searching for an explanation, but I think the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

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

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have taken lessons from their recent thriller at Fulham and the episode is now in the past. City held on to claim a 5-4 win during a incredible clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with almost an hour played.

Coming after they resisted a fightback to win 3-2 in their previous fixture, it raised more questions about whether they possess the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” Guardiola commented. “Valuable learnings, I hope. At this level, at all the clubs, you have to learn from both good and bad in the good things and results and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. With the three goals scored by Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see the two versions, right? So, always we have done many positive things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. It’s not bad. How many attempts did Fulham ? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to be better.”

4. Newcastle Prioritise New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed new deal discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman at the top of his to-do list at St James’ Park. He joined from Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a contract extending until 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

That has left Wilson to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, Newcastle's efforts have assumed some urgency.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was much better than the one I had thought,” he stated. “However, it is well known that the club wishes to extend Tino’s contract and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe is missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender expected to be out for a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager 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 for the red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke about it in the dressing room. I am positive it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the intense strain on his side, who are in the relegation zone before Saturday's matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't hide it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite the club's usual frontmen return from injury. The midfielder has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s opener versus Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|