Leeds United fans have made a selection demand to manager Daniel Farke after Saturday’s draw to Swansea City but it has nothing to do with Illan Meslier.
Everyone associated with Leeds United has been left feeling sick after a vital three points in the Championship title race were thrown away against Swansea City.
The pressure was on Daniel Farke’s side after Sheffield United claimed top spot on Friday night but they weren’t up to the task, despite Brenden Aaronson scoring within 40 seconds.
Illan Meslier even saved a penalty but he soon went from hero to zero when he dropped the ball to allow Harry Darling to score.
The Whites thought they’d won it late on when Willy Gnonto fired into the net but there would be a late, cruel twist in the tale as Meslier made another mistake when he allowed Zan Vipotnik’s shot at the near post to squirm under him.
Leeds fans have been left apoplectic by two more mostly errors from Meslier, with many wanting him out of the side in favour of Karl Darlow.
However, they have also called for Gnonto to be reinstated to the starting XI after his big impact off the bench.
- Leeds United player ratings vs Swansea: Willy Gnonto shines but 3/10 star worse than Illan Meslier
Leeds fans call for Willy Gnonto to start
Just as Elland Road had grown sullen in the 86th minute, Gnonto popped up in the box to sweep the ball home for what appeared to be a stunning winner with his first touch.
It didn’t prove to be the case but the goal was reason enough for Leeds fans to want to see the Italian back in the team from the off.
“START HIM NEXT WEEK,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, with the full capitals extenuating the point.
“Needs to be playing more,” another lamented. One fan wrote: “Why this man doesn’t start is beyond me!”
“Get in, he has to start next week,” said another supporter on the social media platform.
Daniel Farke has big decisions to make for Luton fixture
Farke has always moved to defend Meslier after his costly mistakes this season but patience amongst supporters is growing thin. Excuses won’t cut it this time.
It’s not just that Meslier is making huge errors in critical moments, but his defenders clearly don’t have trust in him anymore.
That nervousness permeates throughout the side and rattles the entire foundation.
He has to come out for the next fixture at Luton, as does at least one of Aaronson or Manor Solomon. Both were mostly anonymous against Swansea, even if the American did score.
They are not performing and Leeds have too much talent on the bench in Gnonto and Largie Ramazani for poor performances to go unanswered.
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