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This week's Premier League developments, a notable midfielder has been handed a significant suspension, a manager has singled to a player's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive betterment following a wild victory.

Mejbri Issued Four-Match Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri was issued a four-match suspension and a £15,000 fine following improper behaviour in a recent fixture against Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri faced a separate disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting towards away fans around the 67th mark during a 2-0 victory by Burnley.

A release explained: “A disciplinary panel has punished Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in their top-flight match with Leeds of 18 October. The charge was that he acted against the laws of football or in an improper way by using abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United supporters.”

It added, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, with the Regulatory Commission imposed a four-match suspension and a fine following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions are to be released at a later date.” The team, currently in 19th place in the Premier League table, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

2. Maresca Points to Tosin's Mistakes to Prove an Argument

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated that not having seasoned players is not a problem at team, highlighting how centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly during the defeat against Leeds United.

Maresca, who oversees the most youthful team in the Premier League, rejected the idea that mentality played a part in their poor result. He made his argument by criticising Tosin, Chelsea's most experienced outfield player on the pitch, who produced a mistake-riddled performance in central defence.

“People always mention experience after we drop points,” Maresca said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced personnel. I know that when we don’t win, people are constantly looking for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we lost to Leeds was not down to the experience, it was because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player for us in the match? Who was? Did he play good? So, it’s not about his age. It’s about those 11 players, they were simply not up to standard.”

3. Guardiola Insists Defensive Solidity 'Must Improve'

Pep Guardiola has stated the champions have taken lessons from their recent scare against Fulham and the game has now been forgotten. The team held on to claim a 5-4 victory in a incredible encounter at Craven Cottage, after leading 5-1 with about an hour played.

This followed they fought off a Leeds comeback and won 3-2 in their previous game, it raised further doubts about if they possess resilient enough to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is forgotten,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, you have to learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and focus on the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse what happened, to not allow so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and five goals by Fulham you can see our versions, right? Therefore, we have done plenty of good things. But the number of shots on target did Leeds have? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. And shots on target for Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of shots conceded is is high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus New Livramento and Botman Deals

Newcastle United's recently appointed football chief, Ross Wilson, has made new deal negotiations with key defenders Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his to-do list for the club. He joined from Nottingham Forest recently and was pleased that midfielder Sandro Tonali has a deal that runs to 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s agreement ending in 2027 and Botman's a year later, Newcastle's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first three or four days in the job was when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation is significantly more secure than the one I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that we wishes to renew Tino’s deal and we would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. Those discussions are ongoing.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the home game with Burnley on Saturday, and he expected to be sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Returns for West Ham

The Hammers' manager Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that Lucas Paquetá will return to the starting lineup for the side face Brighton this Sunday, after serving a ban following a sending-off he received Liverpool.

“That incident is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it won't happen again because he himself admitted his mistake. We spoke internally. I am positive the matter is closed and will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the significant strain on his side, currently 18th before Saturday's fixtures. “We can't ignore it,” he admitted. “It's a reality. We must face it. We are battling for survival. We cannot shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with Striker Stand-in Merino

Mikel Merino could continue as Arsenal’s centre-forward even when the club's usual strikers return from injury. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency number nine due to injuries for Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

He scored the opener versus Brentford and set up Bukayo Saka for their second goal during a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|