Phil Hay shares what Illan Meslier told him about Leeds United moment at Elland Road
Phil Hay has shared what Illan Meslier told him about the save he made from Josh Sargent in the Play-Off semi-final second leg between Leeds United and Norwich City.
The Whites secured a place at Wembley thanks to a 4-0 win against the Canaries (16 May) but things could have been different.
Elland Road held its breath as Ashley Barnes played through Sargent. Ethan Ampadu’s sliding challenge missed the tackle which saw the American go one-on-one.
Meslier got down low and reached an arm up high to block the striker’s chipped attempt.
Speaking on The Square Ball podcast (23 May), Hay has revealed a discussion he had with the goalkeeper after the event.
He said: “The Meslier save from Sargent. I saw him the other day to do a piece and he was talking about that save specifically. That was so crucial. That save was absolutely brilliant. The technique of it.
“Meslier was saying that in that split second, he was able to see that Sargent was going for the chip which is why he put his hand up. I’m not saying it would have turned the game for Leeds to lose but it would have turned the atmosphere.”
Leeds United ready for Wembley clash
The future of the Whites hangs in the balance knowing that Southampton stand between themselves and a place in the Premier League.
Their win over Norwich was exactly what Daniel Farke and his squad needed to bounce back after a poor run of form in the Championship.
Other than a narrow 4-3 win over Middlesbrough (22 April) Leeds had lost four and drawn two of their last seven league matches.
Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville were back on top form as they both scored to help the Whites on their way to Wembley.
Meslier has had a season to remember in the second tier but after conceding nine in his last three league fixtures. He has ended his issues with back-to-back Play-Off clean sheets.
Despite losing to Southampton on the final day of the campaign (4 May), Farke’s men know what is riding on a one-off clash in the capital.
In other Leeds news, the club want to sign this international centre-back in a brand new transfer.
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