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From the world of Premier League developments, a notable player was given a significant suspension, a head coach has singled out a player's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has called for defensive improvements after a chaotic win.

Mejbri Handed Four-Game Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game ban and a £15,000 fine for improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association said the player faced a separate regulatory commission following allegations where he spat in the direction of visiting fans around the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

An FA statement said: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct during their top-flight match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the laws of football and/or in an improper way and/or engaging in abusive and indecent behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the charge, with the panel handing down a four-game ban and a fine following proceedings. The panel's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.” Burnley, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Adarabioyo's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is not a problem at club, pointing out how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from having a bad game in a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that inexperience was a factor in their poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest player on the pitch, after he delivered a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“We always mention a lack of experience after we drop points,” Maresca stated. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that if we don’t win, people are always searching for an explanation, but in my view why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted the champions have taken lessons from their recent scare at Fulham and the episode is now in the past. The team survived for a 5-4 win in a remarkable clash on Tuesday, having led 5-1 with almost an hour gone.

This followed they resisted a Leeds fightback to win 3-2 in the previous game, prompting more questions about if City are the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s forgotten,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard what happens in the good things and bad things and focus on what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” he admitted. “We try to analyse the cause, so as not to allow so many goals. After conceding three scored by Leeds, and the five by Fulham it shows the two versions, right? So, we have we have done plenty of positive things. Yet how many shots on target had Leeds ? Three? They scored two. That ratio is good. And shots on target did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We have to be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Deals

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal discussions involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. Wilson arrived from Nottingham Forest recently and is pleased to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali has a deal extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

This allows Wilson to prioritise negotiations for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts have assumed some importance.

“The initial few days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly better than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s contract and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain sidelined for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start for they face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban for the red card he received Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” Nuno said. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant pressure on his side, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We must face it. We're battling for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when the club's usual frontmen return from injury. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift number nine due to fitness issues for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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