Kevin Phillips has hailed Illan Meslier’s first-half save in Leeds United’s defeat to Sunderland as ‘world class’.
Leeds fell to their fourth loss of the season at the Stadium of Light, all of which have come away from home, with the gap to Ipswich Town now at 10 points.
It was a frustrating evening for Leeds in which none of their attacking players seemed to get into the match, and just like at Stoke City, a below par performance was punished.
However, Meslier’s first-half save to deny a Sunderland opener from a corner was certainly a highlight from a Leeds perspective, with Phillips claiming on Sky Sports it was ‘world class’.
He said: “I can’t see any goalkeepers making a better save this season. It’s almost behind him. He is not rooted, his is ready for it. That is just a world class save.”
Meslier save incredible, but should’ve done better for the goal
If ever a match could sum up Meslier perfectly over the last few months, it is tonight, as he is always capable of pulling off a save such as that one, like at Leicester City.
On the other hand, his lack of command in the area was a contributing factor to Jobe Bellingham’s goal, as he was rooted to his line, allowing him to head home from very close-range.
Archie Gray and Pascal Struijk were also at fault for different reasons, but Meslier should’ve been alert to the danger quicker to come and get to the ball first.
Even at this stage of the season, Leeds are now under serious pressure not to drop any more points, given the form of the two sides ahead of them.
Ipswich have already passed the 50-point mark and that game at Elland Road on December 23 could well put a serious dent in Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes.
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