Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne has poked fun at Illan Meslier after his error for Leeds United earned the Black Cats an unlikely point.
It was Browne’s aimless, attempted steer into the box that deflected off Junior Firpo into the path of Meslier for Sunderland’s stoppage time equalising goal.
Leeds had comfortably dealt with everything Sunderland threw at them after Firpo’s goal had put them in front on 53 minutes and seemingly on course for a huge three points.
However, Meslier somehow allowed the ball to bounce past his hands and entire body to roll into the net, a mistake he probably won’t ever make in his career ever again.
Pascal Struijk has claimed a ‘massive dent’ in the pitch forced the ball to change direction but deep down, Meslier will know he only has himself to blame.
- READ MORE: Sunderland manager shares what Illan Meslier told him at full-time about his error in Leeds draw
Alan Browne aims dig at Illan Meslier after Sunderland draw vs Leeds
Sunderland had the majority of the ball in the second half after Firpo’s goal but created very little in the way of clear cut chances.
Meslier had actually played well up until that point, making a number of high claims from crosses and corners to help alleviate the mounting pressure on his defence.
Frustration from the home fans, who had not seen them concede a single goal or drop a single point prior to Friday night, had been building until the incredible equaliser.
However, once the ball trickled into the net there was absolute bedlam at the Stadium of Light as practically the whole team dived into the crowd with the fans.
Speaking on Sky Sports post-match, Sunderland midfielder Browne could not resist a sly dig at Meslier by almost thanking him for his ‘nice assist’.
He said: “I turned away, I thought the boys would be fuming at me after hitting it. Then I don’t know, the ‘keeper chucked it in his own net so fair play to him, nice assist. I am almost embarrassed by I will still claim it, too right.”
What Leeds players must now do to help Meslier
Unfortunately Meslier now has two weeks to get over his mistake, which probably isn’t ideal for his confidence levels.
Meslier has shown in the past how much he can be affected by errors and so it is now up to his Leeds teammates to help pick him back up.
In the heat of the moment, Firpo’s reaction at full-time was more than understandable. However, as one of Leeds’ leaders, there is no doubt it will have been different in the dressing room.
Meslier simply has to show a reaction in another big game against Sheffield United when the season gets back underway again.
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