Sky Sports reporter blasts Illan Meslier after what he did in Leeds United 2-1 loss v Fulham
Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz blasted Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier after his error for Harry Wilson’s goal in their 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday [22 April].
In a rather tumultuous week for the Frenchman, the 23-year-old stunningly flapped at Willian’s cross and allowed the ball to fall perfectly for Wilson to fire Marco Silva’s side into the lead in West London.
Blitz, writing on the Sky Sports commentary [22 April, 13:47pm] for the game, was left stunned at the Frenchman’s error and claimed he’s had a “stinker” of a few days for Leeds United.
He wrote: “It’s a poor pass out from the Leeds midfield which Robinson intercepts and you feel Meslier has to do better there.
“He flaps the cross straight into Wilson’s path and it’s a great finish from the Fulham winger.
“‘Down with the Chelsea’ sing the Fulham fans. Meanwhile, it’s been a stinker of a few days for Leeds and Meslier.”
Struggling
All the criticism of Meslier over the past week has been quite damning, especially Jamie Carragher’s embarrassing “kid” admission regarding the French Under-21 goalkeeper after his torrid showing against Liverpool in midweek.
Certainly, despite all the interest in his services of late, he has failed to convince even himself that he’s ready for a big move as he’s regularly caught out in no man’s land, like a rabbit caught in a headlight.
What he’s done against Fulham too has now compounded him further into a downward spiral right now. What on earth was he doing? Certainly, Meslier is young but the experience he’s had already in the Premier League means he knows he’s got to be more assertive at times.
The Frenchman did make some telling saves in the game, including a quite stunning save from Willian’s free-kick late on but his errors are proving quite telling and in key moments in the game that could well define the Leeds United season, in terms of relegation.
It’s yet another defeat to a Fulham side playing the whole 90 minutes without a recognised striker. This was their chance to steer clear of the drop zone with Everton and Nottingham Forest playing on the same day. It’s a hugely missed opportunity. Not looking good for Javi Gracia and his men.
In other Leeds United news, here’s what our exclusive pundit had to say on the Jean-Kevin Augustin saga at Elland Road.