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This week's Premier League developments, a key player was handed a lengthy suspension, a manager has singled to a player's mistakes to prove a point, and the Manchester City manager has demanded defensive improvements following a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Game Suspension and Fine

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match ban and a £15,000 penalty for improper behaviour in October's match against Leeds United. The governing body stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel following allegations of spitting towards away supporters around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win by Burnley.

An FA release explained: “A disciplinary panel has sanctioned Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during the Premier League match with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the laws of the game or in a poor manner and/or engaging in abusive and indecent behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently accepted the allegation, and the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released in due course.” The team, currently 19th in the table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

2. Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Prove an Argument

The Blues' manager Enzo Maresca has argued that a lack of experience is no a problem at team, highlighting that centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not stop him from having a bad game in a 3-1 loss against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the division, rejected the idea that inexperience played a part in the poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, the oldest outfield player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn performance in central defence.

“We always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach stated. “When we defeated Barcelona, we drew against Arsenal, no one was talking about older players. I understand that when we lose, we are always looking for an explanation, but in my view why we lost against Leeds is not because of inexperience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Did he play any good? So, it’s not about experience. It’s about those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defence 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has insisted the champions have learnt from their midweek thriller at Fulham with the episode is now in the past. The team held on for a 5-4 win during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they resisted a comeback and won 3-2 in the prior fixture, prompting more questions regarding if they are the defensive steel required to sustain a challenge against pace-setters Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” he said. “Good learnings, hopefully. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from both good and bad performances and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Naturally I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We try to analyse the cause, to not concede the goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see the two versions, correct? Therefore, we have done plenty of positive things. But the number of attempts did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is good. How many attempts for Fulham ? Five, six? So our ratio of shots conceded we can see is high. We have to improve.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He arrived after leaving Nottingham Forest in October and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal extending to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to focus on talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, the club's efforts have assumed a certain urgency.

“My first few days after starting is when I found that Sandro’s contract situation is much more secure than the one I had thought,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

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

Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when the side play Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban for the red card against Liverpool.

“That incident is behind us,” Nuno remarked. “I am positive it won't be repeated because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke in the dressing room. I believe it is over and it will not happen again.”

He also acknowledged the significant pressure facing his team, currently 18th before the weekend fixtures. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We have to confront it. We are battling for survival. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker even when their regular strikers are fit again. Merino has been deployed as a makeshift No 9 due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the first goal against Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second during a 2-0 victory that maintained {their|