Sky Sports pundit in disbelief at what Illan Meslier did as Leeds United trailed vs Norwich City
Illan Meslier stunned Luke Chambers by pulling off an “unbelievable” save to top Joe Rodon scoring a Leeds United own goal at Norwich City.
The Sky Sports pundit reacted live on the broadcaster’s match coverage of the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road on 1 October, as the Frenchman produced an excellent reaction stop at his near post in the 35th minute.
A cross was fired over from the Whites’ right and the Welsh defender, who had already conceded a penalty, almost sliced it into his own net, only for Meslier to palm it away for a corner.
Chambers said (8.20pm): “Fantastic overlap, the ball was whipped in with such pace that Rodon hasn’t been able to move his feet quick enough.
“But the reaction from Meslier there to keep that out of the net is unbelievable. Unbelievable save.”
Joe Rodon bailed out by Leeds United teammate
Meslier’s reputation has suffered in the past couple of seasons as the presumed graduation to a top side in the Premier League or Europe has faded through relegation and staying in the second tier.
He was arguably disappointing for Josh Sargent’s penalty early at Carrow Road as he dived late to let the American’s low spot kick in despite being nowhere near the corner.
But he still shows signs of the quality which had him linked to the likes of Chelsea [The Athletic] and Manchester United [The Sun] not too long ago, and kept his side in an attritional Championship clash in Norfolk.
Rodon was uncharacteristically poor at the back in the first half and almost compounded diving in early to concede the penalty with an awkward, misdirected clearance past his own keeper.
Meslier barely had a second to think before throwing out a hand to divert the ball wide, and keeping the lead at one paid off on the hour when Largie Ramazani equalised.
Daniel Farke has got his Whites side largely back on track after a difficult start to the season and a return to the club where he twice won the Championship title always carries extra significance.
His side could only fight back for a battling point but he can thank his keeper for preventing the hosts getting out of sight before the break.
In other Leeds United news, alarm bells are going off at Elland Road already as injury issues proliferate for a player who was wanted to dominate this term.
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