‘I don’t get why he’s doing it’ – Sky pundit blasts key Leeds star for ‘wrong decision’ vs Spurs
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come under fire from Stephen Warnock for his performance against Tottenham.
Appearing on Sky Sports News’ The Football Show, the former Whites player accused Leeds of shooting themselves in the foot.
In particular, he focused on Meslier’s errors, drawing attention to the keeper’s mistake which led to Spurs’ opening goal.
The no.1 gifted the home side possession moments before Stephen Bergwijn was fouled in the penalty box, leading to Harry Kane scoring from 12 yards.
Commenting on the 21-year-old’s performance, and the team as a whole, Warnock said:
“I don’t get why he’s doing it, Meslier. It looks like a simple pass into Luke Ayling, but he can actually play an even simpler pass into Stuart Dallas in the right-back position.
“He makes the wrong decision, centre of the pitch, capitalised on. They were the architects of their own downfall, Leeds.
“You don’t want to stop them playing because a lot of the time they get out so well and they do it extremely well. I think the game-management just has to be, ‘If it’s not quite working, play 30 or 40 metres further up’.”
Signs of progress
Although Stephen Warnock is correct in his assessment of Meslier’s downfalls on Saturday, he should be a little more forgiving.
The shot-stopper is still young and improving, and like others he is getting to grips with the Premier League.
And it is worth remembering this is only his second full season as a regular starter, having made 28 appearances for Lorient in 2018/19.
As Paul Robinson asserted a few weeks ago the Frenchman is improving game after game, and given his inexperience there will no doubt be mistakes at times, especially with Bielsa’s high-risk style.
Regardless, he has proven himself capable with six clean sheets and 67 saves this term.
And the misplaced pass was his only one from 28 short passes and four long passes on Saturday. That’s more than a bit unfortunate. [WyScout]
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has lost faith in attacker who must fear for future.