Football writer Conor McGilligan has not held back on Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier for the role he played in the club’s recent loss.
Over the weekend, Marcelo Bielsa’s men fell to a disappointing 1-0 home loss at the hands of relegation candidates Newcastle United.
In the end, a single goal from Jonjo Shelvey was enough to settle the affair, and it seems as though Meslier’s goalkeeping during that telling moment has left McGilligan rather frustrated.
The goal came from a free kick – described by the journalist as a ‘pea roller’ – that the shot-stopper failed to deal with. While speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube, McGilligan outlined his feelings.
Will Illan Meslier become a world-class goalkeeper?
Yes
No
He said: “Meslier sets up the wall and he’s on his left-hand side. He steps to his left-hand side, I believe, then Shelvey catches him out with a pea roller; bounces before him, but there’s no venom on the shot.
“It’s a simple save, simple save, ’round the corner. Shocking all ends up, and it summed up the day for Leeds United.”
TIF Thoughts on Illan Meslier and Leeds…
It’s clear to hear just how frustrated McGilligan is with the incident, and considering the major impact it had on the outcome of the game, it’s easy to understand why.
That result leaves Leeds in 15th place in the league having gained 22 points from 21 games. It could be huge for Newcastle in the relegation zone as it allowed them to rise to 18th spot, seven points off their most recent opponents.
Having played in every one of their league games so far this season, Meslier is very much a key part of the Leeds team and will no doubt be disappointed with himself to have played such a negative part in the final result.
At least he should have plenty more times to redeem himself as the campaign continues into the second half of the season.
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