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In the latest Premier League developments, a significant player was given a significant suspension, a head coach has pointed to a player's errors to prove an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for backline betterment following a chaotic victory.

Mejbri Given Four-Match Ban and Financial Penalty

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has been issued a four-game ban and a £15,000 penalty for misconduct in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The governing body confirmed the player faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting towards visiting fans at the 67th point of a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA statement explained: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to misconduct in their Premier League game against Leeds on 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the rules of football or in an improper way and/or engaging in offensive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting at or in the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It added, “Mejbri later accepted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and a fine after a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, visit 12th-place Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Make an Argument

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is no an issue at club, pointing out that defender Tosin Adarabioyo's years did not prevent the 28-year-old from playing a bad game during the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the youngest squad in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the setback. He made his case by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, who produced an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always mention experience after we fail to win,” the coach said. “When we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I understand that if we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds is not because of the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the most senior player for us on the pitch? Who was? Did he play good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were simply not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Says Defence 'Has to Improve'

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

This followed they fought off a fightback and won 3-2 in their prior game, prompting further doubts about whether they are resilient enough to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” he commented. “Valuable lessons, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad performances and results and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to understand what happened, to not concede so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? Therefore, always we have done many good things. Yet how many attempts did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of shots conceded is too high. We have to improve.”

4. Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Deals

The Magpies' recently appointed sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving important defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured to learn playmaker Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson to focus on negotiations for Livramento and Botman's agents. Livramento's current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial three or four days after starting was when I found that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s no secret that we would want to extend Tino’s deal and also would want to renew Sven Botman’s too. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game with Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain out for at least a further period.

Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns Against Brighton

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

“That incident is in the past,” Nuno said. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he personally acknowledged his mistake. We spoke about it internally. I believe it is over and will not happen again.”

He also understands the intense pressure facing his team, who are 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he admitted. “It's the situation. We must face it. We're fighting for survival. We can't hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Stand-in Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular strikers return from injury. Merino has been playing as a makeshift No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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