🔗 Share this article

In the latest Premier League news, a notable player has been given a substantial suspension, a manager has pointed to a defender's errors to make an argument, and the Manchester City manager has called for defensive improvements after an erratic win.

1. Mejbri Handed Four-Match Suspension and Fine

Burnley's midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was given a four-game suspension and a £15,000 penalty following improper behaviour in a recent fixture versus Leeds United. The Football Association stated Mejbri was referred a separate disciplinary panel following an incident of spitting towards visiting fans around the 67-minute point during a 2-0 win for Burnley.

A release read: “A Regulatory Commission has sanctioned the Hannibal Mejbri due to his actions during the top-flight game with Leeds on 18 October. It was alleged that the player behaved in breach of the rules of the game and/or in an improper manner and/or engaging in abusive and/or indecent behaviour through spitting towards the direction of Leeds United fans.”

It continued, “Mejbri subsequently admitted the allegation, and the panel handing down a four-match ban and a fine after proceedings. The Regulatory Commission’s full explanation for the sanction are to be released at a later date.” Burnley, currently 19th in the standings, travel to 12th-placed Newcastle this Saturday.

Maresca Singles Out Tosin's Errors to Make a Point

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has stated that a lack of experience is not a problem for his club, highlighting how defender Tosin Adarabioyo's age did not prevent the 28-year-old from having poorly in the defeat against Leeds United.

The Italian coach, who manages the youngest team in the division, does not feel that mentality played a part in their poor result. He presented his argument by criticising Tosin, the most experienced player in the lineup, who delivered a mistake-riddled display at the back.

“People always talk about experience after we drop points,” the coach said. “After we beat Barcelona, the draw with Arsenal, no one was mentioning older personnel. I know that if we lose, people are constantly looking for an explanation, but I think why we didn’t win against Leeds was not down to the experience, it’s because we just weren't good enough.”

He added, “Who was the most senior player on our team in the match? It was Tosin. Was he good? So, it’s not about his age. It's that those 11 men, they were not good enough.”

Guardiola Insists Defence 'Must Get Better'

Pep Guardiola has insisted his team have taken lessons from a midweek scare against Fulham with the game has now been in the past. The team survived to claim a 5-4 win in a incredible encounter on Tuesday, after leading 5-1 with about 60 minutes gone.

This followed they fought off a comeback and won 3-2 in the previous game, it raised more questions regarding whether they possess the defensive steel required to mount a title challenge to leaders Arsenal. “That game is behind us,” Guardiola said. “Valuable lessons, I hope. In the Premier League, for every team, one must learn from what happens in the good things and bad things and think of the next one.”

“Of course I am worried,” he admitted. “We try to analyse what happened, so as not to concede so many goals. After conceding three by Leeds, and the five against Fulham you can see the two sides, correct? So, we have we have done many positive things. But the number of attempts had Leeds have? Three? They scored two. That ratio is bad. How many attempts for Fulham have? Five, six? So the average of chances conceded we can see too high. We must be better.”

Newcastle Focus on Livramento and Botman Contracts

Newcastle United's new football chief, Ross Wilson, has placed contract negotiations involving important backline players Tino Livramento and Sven Botman the priority on his agenda at St James’ Park. Wilson joined from Nottingham Forest in October and is reassured that midfielder Sandro Tonali is on a contract extending until 2029 with an option until 2030.

That has left Wilson free to prioritise talks for Livramento and Botman's representatives. Livramento's current deal set to expire in 2027 and the latter’s in 2028, Newcastle's talks are being treated with a certain urgency.

“The initial few days in the job is when I found that Sandro’s deal was much more secure than I was expecting,” said Wilson. “But it’s well known that the club would want to renew Tino’s deal and also wants to renew Sven Botman’s as well. These talks are underway.”

Head coach Eddie Howe will be missing Botman against the home game against Burnley this Saturday, with the defender likely to remain sidelined for another week.

5. Nuno Confirms Paquetá Will Start Against Brighton

West Ham head coach Nuno Espírito Santo has stated that Lucas Paquetá is back to start when they face Brighton on Sunday, having completed a ban following a sending-off against Liverpool.

“It is in the past,” the manager remarked. “I am confident it will not happen again as he personally admitted the error. We discussed it internally. I believe the matter is closed and will not happen again.”

Nuno also understands the intense pressure facing his team, currently 18th ahead of the weekend fixtures. “We cannot avoid it,” he said. “It is the situation. We must confront it. We're fighting for our top-flight status. We can't shy away from it.”

6. Arteta Pleased with No 9 Deputy Merino

The Spanish midfielder could continue as Arsenal’s central striker even when the club's usual strikers are fit again. Merino has been playing as a makeshift number nine because of injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

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