Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come in for plenty of criticism from pundits and fans on social media following his disastrous mistake that led to Sunderland’s 97th-minute equaliser on Friday.
Following Chris Rigg’s opener and then goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo, Leeds looked as though they had come behind to secure all three points away from home at the Championship’sfirst-placed side.
But Alan Browne’s innocuous-looking ball over the top after a Sunderland set-piece span off the ground and into the net. Disaster for Meslier, but still in the grand scheme of things, a solid point away for Leeds.
Leeds remain in fifth place after the weekend’s games, going into the second international break of the season. But had Meslier just simply picked the ball up, Leeds would have been level points with Burnley.
However, many have leapt to the defence of Meslier. Pascal Struijk tried to say that the surface was to blame for Meslier’s mistake, while Jermaine Beckford has defended Meslier with a post on social media.
Jon Newsome blasts Isaac Schmidt for late Leeds decision
Jayden Bogle was actually booked for taking a swipe on Romaine Mundle in the incident that Newsome was discussing, on BBC Radio Leeds. But Schmidt leans into the back of Mundle and sends him down.
Former Leeds man Newsome was discussing the blame put on Meslier, and said that if Leeds had not conceded a free-kick, then they would not have invited pressure onto the penalty area, blaming Schmidt.
“Nobody has spoken about the free-kick. The ball has gone from left to right, out to Isaac Schmidt and rather than putting an honest, genuine challenge in, he leans into him, pushes him and cheats a little bit.
“Gives an easy free-kick away and all of a sudden, they can deliver the ball into our box. It’s those minute little details. If there’s no foul, we win. Are we going to call Schmidt out and hang him out to dry as well?”
Brenden Aaronson also deserves same criticism for his miss
Aaronson was in good form again on Friday night but he could have killed the game by finishing, or simply sliding the ball to Gnonto when he had the chance. But he did neither and gave them a chance.
Plenty of moments can be considered with hindsight, unfortunately for Meslier is that when a goalkeeper makes a mistake it normally ends up in the back of the net. Plenty of others had chances to score goals.
But it comes down to Meslier failing to prevent one, and he gets the criticism. What is in no doubt, is that Meslier will be the man between the sticks when Leeds return after the break to face Sheffield United.
A huge match and if Leeds are to beat Chris Wilder’s side and not only obtain bragging rights, but beat a promotion rival, they need their players feeling confident. That starts with goalkeeper, Meslier.
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