Illan Meslier slammed after what he did in Leeds United win v Luton Town
Illan Meslier has been slammed by Graham Smyth for coming off his line in the game between Leeds United and Luton Town.
Elland Road welcomed the Hatters in the Championship on Wednesday (27 November), with goals from Sam Byram, Joel Piroe and Daniel James sealing a 3-0 victory for the hosts.
Rob Edwards’ team did have their opportunities in the game, with Pascal Struijk making a goal-line clearance to keep Victor Moses from equalising in the first half.
Speaking on the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Inside Elland Road Podcast [28 November], Smyth took aim at Meslier for making a rash decision and allowing the Luton player to chip him.
“Luton did have two chances. Meslier, I didn’t like the kind of aggressive approach to that,” he said.
“You stay on your post. I don’t think Victor Moses beats you from there, and you’ve got players coming back. Well, he comes out, gets dinked, and Struijk, an incredible clearance.”
Illan Meslier prone to Leeds United errors
Meslier is lucky that Daniel Farke still trusts him despite some of his errors this season — none more significant than the howler in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland on 4 October.
More recently, the Frenchman conceded three goals against Swansea on 24 November in the league and was fortunate that Wilfried Gnonto found the back of the net in stoppage time to give the Whites a 4-3 win.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed the trust of every manager since Marcelo Bielsa, although the Elland Road faithful still aren’t convinced whether the shot-stopper is the right person to be the number one at the West Yorkshire club.
Karl Darlow has recently put in some impressive displays, starring for the Welsh national team in the November international break.
If Meslier isn’t careful, then it’s highly likely that the 34-year-old will pip him in the pecking order.
The Whites are on course for automatic promotion as things stand, sitting first in the league table, and Daniel Farke might not tolerate the French goalkeeper making any more mistakes going forward.
In other Leeds United news, the Peacocks are set to rival Manchester United for Lennon Miller.
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