Monday night’s win at Sheffield United has pushed Leeds United even closer to automatic promotion and a possible Championship title, as The Whites went five points clear with 12 games to go.
Daniel Farke might have been watching the game from the gantry as the Leeds United manager served a one-match ban, but he will have been delighted as he watched his side produce another comeback.
A week on from the stunning comeback against Sunderland, Leeds did it again. Trailing Sheffield United for almost an hour, Junior Firpo popped up with a header to equalise after good work from Dan James.
Then on 89 minutes, Ao Tanaka flicked in a Joe Rothwell corner after first contact from Pascal Struijk and Joel Piroe rounded off the win with a thunderbolt from the best part of 25 yards. An enormous victory.
It was not all positives though, as Leeds man struggles again
There is no doubt that Sheffield United targeted Illan Meslier during the first part of the game. Chris Wilder’s side put the Leeds goal under intense pressure and Meslier relented, scoring an own goal.
The Frenchman had flapped at some crosses and set-pieces before his own goal. Meslier recovered to perform much better after the goal, but doubts surrounding the Frenchman re-emerged on Monday.
Ally McCoist and Troy Deeney discussed Leeds on Tuesday morning, and told TalkSPORT (25/02, 6.05AM) that Leeds need to consider replacing the £5m stopper if the club do secure promotion to the top tier.
Deeney began: “Leeds were just too strong. They’ve got that burning desire to go and make up for last year, they’re on a mission. When you look at these teams, what are you going to do to step up next year.
“The young goalkeeper,” McCoist interrupted: “Thrown a couple in hasn’t he?” Deeney continued: “Yeah, but it’s every time. Looking at the teams – how will they stay up? They need to start planning early.”
Leeds United need to scour the market for a new goalkeeper
Even if Meslier doesn’t make a mistake in the remaining 12 Championship games, The Whites need to sign a new goalkeeper. Meslier has been a mainstay for Leeds over the years, but confidence is needed.
If the Leeds defence are to perform to a standard next season that keeps The Whites in the Premier League – if promoted of course – then they need a goalkeeper that they can trust. A new, clean slate.
Meslier has made too many mistakes behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk over the years and that will linger not only in fans’ minds, but in the mind of Struijk and Rodon. They need a new no.1 to trust.
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