Meslier lets Leeds United down again with howler v Newcastle
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to relegation candidates Newcastle United was far from good enough for Marcelo Bielsa or Leeds United.
There was little in the game and for large parts, the Whites were the dominant side and if they had a proper striker on the pitch, they may have found a goal to equalise or even win the game.
But the deciding moment went the Magpies way and Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal can only have himself to blame.
The Frenchman let a tame Jonjo Shelvey free-kick bobble over his hand and into the bottom corner to hand Newcastle United a lifeline in their bid to survive in the Premier League.
Even a flailing boot from a Magpies attacker can’t be considered a reason for the 21-year-old’s error, it was just poor goalkeeping.
As was pointed out by Sky Sports Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling who said: “It’s awful goalkeeping from Meslier, that’s for sure.” [22 January, 04:46pm]
It isn’t the first time this has happened in a Leeds shirt. An overhit pass against Tottenham one year ago handed Spurs almost a free goal as they went on to a comfortable 3-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
That day, Bielsa pointed out the “undeniable error”, as quoted by The Athletic, and once again, he has cost Leeds United valuable points.
Perhaps he is getting too comfortable in between the sticks at Elland Road?
Meslier has been the unquestionable number one ever since he saw off Kiko Casilla in the Championship and he hasn’t had an equal since.
Bielsa should probably be looking for another Premier League quality goalkeeper to challenge Meslier and hopefully bring the best out of the youngster.
It hasn’t been all terrible for the Frenchman though and he has made a string of fine saves which has kept Leeds in games at times but he needs to eradicate these mistakes, and fast.
In other Leeds United news, there’s a crucial update in the Whites’ bid to sign this in-form Championship midfielder.