It was not the first time and judging by Saturday’s display, it won’t be the last – but Illan Meslier’s mistakes cost Leeds United more crucial points in the race for promotion against Swansea City.
This season alone, Meslier has been guilty of catastrophic blunders against Sunderland, Hull City and now Swansea. Leeds drew all three games, but would have won them had Meslier not made such blunders.
Six points added to a tally of 81 points would see Leeds clear by four right now. Yet, Daniel Farke’s desire to stick with the Frenchman sees Leeds sit in second place, two behind The Blades and level with Burnley.
Mistakes against Portsmouth, Preston and plenty more throughout the season could arguably see Leeds sit even further ahead at the top of the Championship and yet, Paul Merson has defended the £5m man.
Paul Merson bizarrely defends Meslier despite Swansea errors
Meslier had made a penalty save earlier in the match, a crucial stop to deny Josh Tymon after Brenden Aaronson’s opener. But he dropped a corner unchallenged like he did at Hull, and Harry Darling pounced.
Leeds looked like they had won it when Willy Gnonto scored but Meslier allowed a 96th-minute shot from Zan Vipotnik to go through him. However, Merson defended Meslier on Sky Sports following the draw.
“Good mental strength, always comes back out – never ‘oh, why’s he not playing this week’. No. He always turns up, puts himself in the firing line. I’ve got a lot of respect for him but he’s gone from hero to zero.”
Paul Merson says what Leeds squad will do with Meslier this week
Everyone saw the reaction of Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell and Joel Piroe at Hull and there were similar faces on Saturday. A death stare from Rodon, while Ao Tanaka’s hands went to his head in utter disbelief.
Merson was asked how the Leeds players will react to Meslier’s mistakes behind the scenes ahead of next weekend’s clash against an improving Luton Town side, that beat Joe Gelhardt’s Hull away from home.
“As players you got to stay with him. He makes mistakes, he makes good saves but he does make mistakes. This is not the first mistake he’s made this season,” Merson continued, after the 2-2 draw.
So, with seven games to go, Leeds sit on 81 points ahead of a busy period that sees them play five games in the space of 16 days when they go to Kenilworth Road next weekend. The pressure is really on, now.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
