🔗 Share this article

This week's top-flight developments, a notable player was handed a lengthy suspension, a head coach has singled out a defender's mistakes to make a point, and Pep Guardiola has demanded backline improvements after a chaotic win.

1. Mejbri Given Four-Game Suspension and Financial Penalty

Burnley's player Hannibal Mejbri has been given a four-game suspension and a financial fine for improper behaviour in October's match against Leeds United. The Football Association stated the player was referred a separate disciplinary panel after an incident of spitting in the direction of visiting supporters around the 67-minute mark of a 2-0 victory for Burnley.

A statement read: “A disciplinary panel has punished the Hannibal Mejbri for his actions in the Premier League match against Leeds of 18 October. It was alleged that he behaved against the rules of football and/or in a poor manner and/or engaging in abusive and/or unacceptable behaviour by spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

The statement added, “Mejbri later admitted the allegation, with the panel handing down a four-match suspension and £15,000 after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the sanction will be published in due course.” The team, currently in 19th place in the standings, visit 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday.

Maresca Points to Adarabioyo's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has argued that not having seasoned players is no an issue for his team, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent him from having poorly in the defeat to Leeds United.

Maresca, who manages the most youthful squad in the division, does not feel that inexperience was a factor in the poor result. He presented his case by singling out Tosin, Chelsea's oldest outfield player on the pitch, who delivered an error-strewn performance at the back.

“We always talk about experience when we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw against Arsenal, nobody was mentioning experienced players. I know that when we lose, we are constantly searching for the reason why, but in my view the reason why we didn’t win to Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who is the oldest one on our team in the match? Who was? Was he any good? Therefore, it isn't related to experience. It's that those 11 players, they were simply not good enough.”

Guardiola Says Defensive Solidity 'Has to Improve'

The Manchester City manager has stated the champions have taken lessons from a midweek scare against Fulham with the game is now forgotten. The team held on for a 5-4 victory during a remarkable clash at Craven Cottage, having led 5-1 with about an hour gone.

Coming after they resisted a comeback and won 3-2 in the prior game, it raised more questions regarding whether City are the defensive steel enough to mount a challenge to leaders Arsenal. “It’s behind us,” Guardiola said. “Good learnings, I hope. At this level, for every team, you have to take onboard both good and bad in the good things and results and think of what's next.”

“Naturally I’m concerned,” Guardiola added. “We are trying to analyse what happened, so as not to allow the goals. After conceding three against Leeds, and the five by Fulham you can see the two sides, right? Therefore, we have we have done plenty of good things. Yet how many shots on target did Leeds ? Three? Scored two. That ratio is bad. How many attempts did Fulham have? Five, six? So, the average of chances conceded is too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Defenders' Contracts

The Magpies' new sporting director, Ross Wilson, has placed contract discussions involving key backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda for the club. He joined after leaving Nottingham Forest recently and was reassured to learn midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending to 2029 and, potentially, 2030.

This allows Wilson free to focus on negotiations with Livramento and Botman's representatives. With the former’s current deal ending in 2027 and Botman's in 2028, the club's efforts are being treated with some urgency.

“My first few days after starting is when I discovered that Sandro’s contract situation was significantly more secure than I had thought,” said Wilson. “However, it is no secret that we wishes to renew Tino’s contract and also would want to extend Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Manager Eddie Howe will be without Botman for the home game against Burnley this Saturday, and he expected to remain out for another week.

5. Nuno Says Paquetá Will Start for West Ham

West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to the starting lineup when the side play Brighton on Sunday, having completed his suspension for the red card against Liverpool.

“It is behind us,” the manager remarked. “I am positive it will not be repeated as he personally admitted his mistake. We discussed it internally. I am positive the matter is closed and it will not be repeated.”

Nuno also acknowledged the intense pressure facing his team, currently in the relegation zone before the weekend matches. “We cannot ignore it,” he admitted. “It is a reality. We have to face it. We're battling for survival. We cannot hide it.”

Arteta Impressed by Striker Deputy Merino

Mikel Merino may keep his place leading the line for Arsenal central striker despite their regular strikers are fit again. The midfielder has been deployed as an emergency No 9 because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Merino found the net for the first goal against Brentford before assisting Bukayo Saka for their second goal in a 2-0 victory which preserved {their|