Despite Leeds United extending their unbeaten run to seven games on Sunday, the goalkeeper position remains a cause for concern for supporters with Lucas Perri struggling to silence his doubters.
Lucas Perri has come in for criticism since his summer arrival at Elland Road. His decision-making has landed Leeds in trouble on several occasions, while his distribution has left a lot to be desired.
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Daniel Farke took an unusual step following the draw with Manchester United at the weekend. Farke suggested that Perri made a mistake for Matheus Cunha’s equaliser.
Perri was in no man’s land, making his countryman’s task a lot easier.
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Some may have wondered whether Farke’s comments would lead to a change between the sticks. Karl Darlow has rarely let the team down whenever he has come in. And it would be a real shame if Leeds’ momentum was halted by a goalkeeper error.
However, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Newcastle United, Farke confirmed that Perri will keep his place.
You can certainly make a case that the Leeds boss is making the right decision. Perri did make a brilliant save in the first-half against Manchester United. And while Darlow is a capable understudy, it is probably fair to say that turning to the Wales international is not ideal either.
But Perri will know that he is under the microscope – particularly when you look at comments Farke made towards the end of last season when Illan Meslier was under pressure.
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It has been sad to see just how far Meslier’s stock has fallen over the years. Had Leeds fans been told in 2021 that the Frenchman would ever reach the final six months of his contract at Elland Road, they would probably have assumed that he was holding out for a marquee free transfer to a European heavyweight.
But that has not been the case.
Meslier made a number of mistakes in the Championship last season, most notably away at Sunderland.
Nevertheless, when questions were asked of Meslier following the 2-2 draw with Swansea City in March, Farke initially refused to criticise his goalkeeper.
“I’m far away from punishing a player because we win together, lose together and draw together,” he said.
“After such a game and such a heartbreaking finish, they don’t need a manager who puts the result on the shoulder of players.”
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Despite Farke’s comments, the writing was on the wall for Meslier. He has not played a league game since, with the Leeds boss confirming the following week that Darlow would replace him for the trip to Luton.
In fairness to Perri, he has arguably been a lot better than Meslier was last season. But of course, Leeds are once again in a precarious position – this time with Premier League survival top of the agenda.
You would also like to think that Farke has learned from standing by Meslier for so long.
It definitely seems that way with Farke doing something with Perri that he avoided before he finally took Meslier out of the side.
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