Adam Pope and Noel Whelan stunned by Illan Meslier save to deny Serge Aurier
Leeds United were very entertaining in their 3-1 win over Tottenham but they had Illan Meslier to thank for keeping them in the game.
The Frenchman denied Serge Aurier with a superb save in the second half, one that earned him plaudits from BBC duo Adam Pope and Noel Whelan.
They were stunned with the effort and it was a notable point in the match as Leeds grabbed a third goal minutes later.
In commentary for BBC Radio Leeds, Pope said, “What a save! What a save that is, Aurier there has blasted a shot from a narrow angle. Alioski has got something on it, might have deflected it to make it harder.
“It’s gone high to his [Meslier’s] left and he’s managed to touch it over, that’s a great save.”
And his co-commentary Whelan added, “What a save, it’s a crucial save.”
Player of the season contender
Stuart Dallas grabbed yet another goal and there will be many tipping the midfielder to win the player of the year award.
However, Meslier surely has to be a good outside bet, as the keeper has improved remarkably as the season has gone on.
He kept us in the game against Spurs with two saves in total [SofaScore], but he was composed on the ball throughout – unlike the last time we played them.
Meslier has made the second-most saves in the Premier League this season [Kickest] and has been a key part of our recent defensive improvement.
It is easy to forget he is only 21 and playing in his first campaign in the top-flight – in what is his only his third season as a professional.
With that under consideration, we believe Meslier would be a worthy winner of the player of the year award.
In other Leeds United news, Jake Humphrey has shared the huge news he’s heard at Elland Road today.