Leeds United: BBC pundit loses it with ‘dreadful’ Illan Meslier in loss vs Bournemouth
BBC Sport pundit Francis Benali has blasted Illan Meslier after the Frenchman produced a “dreadful” error for Leeds United in their Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.
Jefferson Lerma netted twice in the space of four first-half minutes to put Gary O’Neil’s side in complete control at the Vitality Stadium.
Patrick Bamford pulled one back for Javi Gracia’s side but further goals from Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo saw Gary O’Neil’s side secure a comprehensive win.
Talking live on BBC Radio 5 Live, Benali was scathing of the Leeds United keeper for his involvement in the Cherries’ second goal.
“My eyes are on Meslier, it’s a dreadful error. I don’t think he was under any pressure,” said Benali (BBC Radio 5 Live, via the BBC Sport live blog, 14:27, 30 April).
“If you aren’t going to catch it, punch it, but he flaps at it. Lerma still has a lot to do but what a dreadful error by Meslier. Leeds have got a lot to do.”
Down the barrel
Leeds are staring down the barrel of Championship football. That’s another huge loss against a relegation rival and the fans will now start turning on the board and the management. You simply cannot concede the number of goals Leeds do. It’s completely unsustainable in the Premier League.
At present, the Whites are having to score at least three times to be in with a shout of securing a point. Meslier will have to shoulder some of the blame, but, in reality, it’s the whole team which is failing. Potentially taking the Frenchman out of the firing line will benefit him, but Joel Robles won’t be the shining light which saves the club from a return to the Championship.
Something has to change between now and the end of the season, but, at present, it’s extremely hard to work out what the solution is. Somehow, the Whites are still outside the bottom three, but, on current form, they look like the most likely team to follow Southampton into the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a surgery update that could rule another Elland Road ace out for months.