Leeds United: Pundit wowed by ‘excellent’ Illan Meslier moment despite what happened v Watford
Chris Iwelumo was astonished by Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier despite conceding twice during a 2-2 draw against Watford on Friday (29 March).
The Frenchman pulled off a brilliant save to deny Emmanuel Dennis the opener, but Vakoun Issouf Bayo would eventually follow up the effort, stroking home to make it 1-0.
Meslier’s saves, arguably kept the Whites in the match, with substitute Mateo Joseph scoring a late equaliser to share the points at Vicarage Road.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (29 March, 8:32pm), Iwelumo said: “It’s an excellent goal, isn’t it? The ball gets cut back, Emmanuel Dennis struck it so well but it’s an excellent save from Meslier.
“He gets back up for the follow-up but Bayo has so much time to think about it; it was all about making sure the correction was right. Boy, was the connection right. He puts everything through it and nearly busts the net. Meslier has no chance with that one.”
Illan Meslier saves Leeds United from further disappointment
The shot-stopper can be majorly thanked by his teammates after his performance at Vicarage Road, though this will come as no surprise to the Elland Road faithful.
Meslier has been in fine form this season and has once again played a key role in a Leeds game, keeping the Whites in the match against Watford before Joseph’s vital equaliser.
There was little he could do for either of the goals against Leeds, but Meslier does not have 17 Championship clean sheets this season for nothing.
Of course, the formidable defensive partnership of Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon has been very important at Elland Road.
However, with Ilia Gruev unavailable in midfield, Ampadu was shifted out of centre-back, breaking up the duo and deploying Liam Cooper. The Scot has been a fine servant for Leeds over the years but he certainly struggled on Friday.
Without Meslier, Joseph may not have been able to score the equaliser, with Watford spurning plenty of chances to take all three points against the promotion hopefuls.
In other Leeds United news, Darko Gyabi has spoken out after an official announcement was made.
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