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This week's Premier League developments, a key player has been issued a significant suspension, a head coach has singled out a player's errors to make an argument, and Pep Guardiola has demanded defensive betterment following a chaotic win.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

The Clarets' player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty following misconduct in October's fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association said Mejbri faced an independent regulatory commission after allegations of spitting towards away supporters at the 67th point of a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A statement said: “An independent disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions during the top-flight game with Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player acted in breach of the rules of the game or in a poor way and/or using abusive and indecent behaviour through spitting at or in the area of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the panel imposed a four-game suspension and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released in due course.” Burnley, now in 19th place in the Premier League standings, visit 12th-place Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Prove an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is no a problem for his club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent him from having poorly in the loss against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest squad in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their setback. He presented his case by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player in the lineup, after he produced an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“We always mention experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was talking about older personnel. I understand that when we don’t win, we are always searching for the reason why, but I think 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 was the oldest one for us in the match? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has stated his team have learnt from their recent scare at Fulham and the episode is now forgotten. City survived for a 5-4 victory during a remarkable encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

Coming after they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior fixture, prompting further doubts regarding whether City possess the defensive steel required to sustain a title challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Good lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We are trying to understand what happened, so as not to concede the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows our sides, correct? So, always we have done many good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. It’s not good. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded we can see too high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions with important defenders 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 is pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's agreement set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s a year later, the club's talks have assumed some urgency.

“My first three or four days after starting was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly better than I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe is without Botman against the match against Burnley this Saturday, and he likely to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to start for they face Brighton this Sunday, having completed a ban for the sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am confident it won't be repeated because he personally admitted the error. We spoke internally. I am positive it is over and will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the intense strain facing his team, who are 18th ahead of Saturday's matches. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It's the situation. We must face it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for Arsenal’s first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 win that maintained {their|