Going into Saturday’s clash between Leeds United and Luton Town, all the talk was about who Daniel Farke would start in goal – Illan Meslier or Karl Darlow.
It came as a surprise to many that Farke confirmed in Thursday’s press conference that Darlow would be the man to start and replace Meslier. A surprise given many thought Farke would stick with Meslier.
However, Farke handed Darlow just his eighth Leeds appearance and his first Championship start of the campaign on Saturday. Darlow was solid, though he could not do anything about Isaiah Jones’ goal.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw that sees Leeds slip to third, but a point gained in boss Farke’s eyes and made to look even better thanks to Sheffield United’s shock 1-0 defeat to Oxford United on Saturday.
Leeds United fans show sympathy towards Illan Meslier at Luton
It has been a testing time for Meslier. Mistake after mistake, his final two howlers proved a step too far for Farke – who opted to remove the Frenchman from the starting line-up following the 2-2 draw vs Swansea.
Meslier has come in for massive criticism from Leeds fans but following the news he would be dropped at Luton, Leeds fans were sympathetic towards Meslier during the warm-up – according to Graham Smyth.
Smyth reported before kick-off: “Away fans giving Illan Meslier applause as he heads over to the touchline to send in crosses for Karl Darlow.”
What Daniel Farke said about Karl Darlow’s display vs Luton
While there were a couple of nervy moments in the first half where Darlow looked like he might have held onto possession for longer than he should have, the Welshman’s performance was largely solid.
Farke said, when asked about Darlow: “Solid, Was not involved in too many scenes. His body language – he calmed everybody down. He looked very reliable. This game was important for his confidence.”
The likelihood going into Middlesbrough on Tuesday night and the remaining six games is that Darlow will be in the starting line-up. But it is a decision that has won Farke some respect. Now, he needs a win.
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