Leeds United fans react to Illan Meslier from stands at Luton after being dropped
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come under scrutiny in recent weeks amid a series of errors.
Meslier made two significant mistakes as the Whites drew 2-2 with Swansea City on 29 March, when Harry Darling pounced upon his handling error.
The Leeds shot-stopper was then beaten by Zan Vipotnik’s stoppage-time effort despite getting a hand to the ball.
After those mistakes, Daniel Farke faced calls to drop his goalkeeper, and Meslier was not included in the lineup as the Whites drew with Luton on Saturday, 5 April.
Leeds supporters spotted applauding Meslier at Luton
Karl Darlow replaced Meslier in the Whites’ lineup at Luton, making his first appearances for the West Yorkshire giants since an FA Cup defeat to Millwall in February.
| Illan Meslier stats [FotMob] | Championship 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals conceded | 27 |
| Clean sheets | 21 |
| Saves | 65 |
In the build-up to Leeds’ clash with Luton, Graham Smyth wrote on X: “Away fans giving Illan Meslier applause as he heads over to the touchline to send in crosses for Karl Darlow.”
Such a positive reaction from the Whites faithful would have given the Frenchman a lift in confidence after being omitted from Farke’s team.
Leeds’ promotion hopes have taken another major blow
While Darlow replaced Meslier in Farke’s lineup on Saturday, the Elland Road club suffered yet another setback in their promotion bid at Kenilworth Road as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Luton.
The Hatters opened the scoring on 15 minutes through Isaiah Jones before Dan James’ impressive effort restored parity for Farke’s men.
But Leeds were unable to build on that momentum and failed to break down Matt Bloomfield’s men in the second-half, meaning they have now slipped out of the automatic promotion spots after winning just one of their last six games in the Championship.
The Whites’ draw at Kenilworth Road was unfortunately coupled with Burnley’s 2-1 win over play-off chasers Coventry, while Sheffield United appear likely to beat a lowly Oxford United later on Saturday.
Having looked good value for the Championship title earlier this term, Leeds could now be set for the playoffs instead.