Sky Sports pundit slams Illan Meslier as ’embarrassment’ spared amid incident in Leeds United clash v Millwall
Andy Hinchcliffe has slammed Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier after a first-half incident with striker Tom Bradshaw against Millwall.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Football (17 September, 12:08 pm), the pundit noted Meslier was saved by Bradshaw’s foul in the build-up to a Millwall chance after he failed to claim the ball, nothing he “should be coming and dealing” with incidents like this.
While Leeds ended the first half 1-0 up at The Den, commentator Daniel Mann noted the whistle spared the Frenchman’s potential blushes.
Mann said: “The whistle had gone anyway to spare Meslier from the embarrassment.”
Hinchcliffe responded: “It’s a poor forward ball and the ‘keeper should be coming and dealing with this. He should be taking Bradshaw out as well as catching the ball easily.
“I presume the referee’s seen Bradshaw jump into the goalkeeper. He’s onside, smart movement but he just jumps into the goalkeeper and that’s what saves Meslier. Leeds are really living under the cosh.”
Under the cosh
All eyes were on Meslier as he nearly helped fellow strugglers Millwall to an early lead.
The 23-year-old is under a bit of pressure this season after a poor end to Leeds’ Premier League campaign. Sam Allardyce dropped the youngster in favour of Joel Robles last season, but an unexpected stay at Elland Road has led to Daniel Farke making him number one.
Leeds’ second summer signing, Karl Darlow, will be waiting eagerly for his chance to crack the first team, but that’s unlikely to happen if Meslier can maintain decent form and avoid mistakes.
This one nearly went against him and the referees’ whistle saved his blushes, but Farke must have Darlow in the back of his mind considering Leeds’ poor defence so far this season.
With just one clean sheet in all competitions this season, Farke will be keen to iron out the amateurish mistakes that have popped up over the season’s initial weeks, and perhaps a dependable experienced ‘keeper in between the sticks could facilitate this.
For now, Farke has faith, but faith can quickly slip away in the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has shared an injury update on a Whites absentee.