Graham Smyth raises Leeds United ‘question marks’ after what happened v Preston
Graham Smyth believes Illan Meslier has “question marks” hanging over his head about his shot-stopping ability after what he did in the draw between Leeds United and Preston on Saturday.
The goalkeeper was at fault once again and was one of the main reasons why Paul Heckingbottom’s men took the lead at Deepdale.
Brad Potts hit a decent strike towards the Frenchman’s goal and while he got two hands on it, he didn’t manage to keep it out of his net.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post website (15 December), Smyth shared his thoughts on Meslier’s error.
“Question marks once again over the goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability,” he wrote.
“There are goalkeepers in the Championship who are building reputations as point-saving heroes and the narrative around Meslier is alarmingly different right now. The Preston goal was another example.”
Illan Meslier has to do better for Leeds United as the season goes on
Meslier has been Leeds’ number one for a fair few years now but this season alone, he’s already made two mistakes that have cost the Whites some Championship points.
The first of the two came against Sunderland back in October when both sides were fighting for the top spot in the second tier.
During the moment in question, the ball supposedly bounced strangely in front of him so not all the blame can be placed upon his shoulders but for Potts’ shot on 14 December, he should have done far better.
Of course, there’s still plenty of the season left for the Frenchman to rectify his mistakes and get the fans back on his side but if he keeps producing blunders like the aforementioned two, it’s hard to see how Farke could go into the Premier League next season with Meslier as his number one.
That is if they can get their act together and start winning games consistently once again as they’ve only won three of their last five Championship games.
In other Leeds news, Wayne Rooney will be delighted after Farke’s new admission.
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