The tensions were high at Molineux on Saturday. A mixture of nervous energy, the knowledge that Leeds United and Wolves would be relegation rivals, and discontent among the home fans.
It translated to the pitch, as Leeds looked to keep a desperate Wolves side at bay. Supporters were not happy, and by the time the fourth official held up his board for injury time, fans were on the way out.
A fifth defeat from five for Sunderland but for Leeds, a second win and seven points in their opening five games. Leeds were in 11th before Sunday’s matches, and Daniel Farke is back in Leeds fans’ good books.
That nervousness clearly found its way to the players, with both dugouts working tirelessly one way or another. For Illan Meslier though, the Frenchman allowed it to get the better of him on the sidelines.
Illan Meslier left fuming as Leeds substitute Jack Harrison denied
For the fifth Premier League match running, Farke brought Jack Harrison off the bench. An experienced Premier League player, Harrison seems to have at least shaken the boos off after his return from Everton.
On Saturday, Harrison came on for Noah Okafor with 20 minutes to go. On the left flank, it looked as if the winger had won a free-kick, pushed to the floor. But referee Anthony Taylor decided it wasn’t enough.
According to the Evening Post, that sparked an angry response from substitute goalkeeper Illan Meslier and assistant manager Eddie Riemer. In their off-camera moments, The YEP’s Graham Smyth reported:
“Meslier and Riemer storming out of the dugout to remonstrate furiously with the fourth official as Jack Harrison was denied a free-kick,” Smyth said. Ultimately, it did not cost Leeds the three points.
Big win for Leeds ahead of two home games at Elland Road…
Leeds now have a real chance to go and put a run together. The win away from home now sees The Whites return to Elland Road for two consecutive matches, albeit against Bournemouth and Tottenham.
But Everton and Newcastle have both come to Yorkshire and both sides have failed to score. Everton were beaten by Leeds while Newcastle had to contend with a 0-0 draw. Bournemouth will know a fight is on.
Hopefully for Leeds, Lucas Perri, Willy Gnonto and Dan James are fit again to give Farke a full squad to choose from when Andoni Iraola comes to town. Leeds beat Bournemouth 4-3, last time they came up.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
