Illan Meslier is criticized by a Sky Sports pundit for being spared during an incident during Leeds United’s match against Millwall.
Following a first-half confrontation involving Millwall attacker Tom Bradshaw and goalkeeper Illan Meslier of Leeds United, Andy Hinchcliffe has criticized Meslier.
The pundit highlighted Meslier was spared by Bradshaw’s foul in the build-up to a Millwall opportunity (17 September, 12:08 pm) after he failed to claim the ball, nothing he “should be coming and dealing” with occurrences like this.
The call, according to analyst Daniel Mann, saved the Frenchman from serious embarrassment even though Leeds won the first half 1-0 at The Den.
Mann said: “The whistle had gone anyway to spare Meslier from the embarrassment.”
Hinchcliffe responded: “It’s a poor forward ball and the ‘keeper should be coming and dealing with this. He should be taking Bradshaw out as well as catching the ball easily.
“I presume the referee’s seen Bradshaw jump into the goalkeeper. He’s onside, smart movement but he just jumps into the goalkeeper and that’s what saves Meslier. Leeds are really living under the cosh.”
Under the cosh
As Meslier nearly gave fellow underdogs Millwall an early lead, all eyes were on him.
Due to Leeds’ disappointing Premier League season, the 23-year-old is under some pressure this year. The youthful player was benched by Sam Allardyce last season in favor of Joel Robles, but an unexpected stay at Elland Road has led to Daniel Farke elevating him to the top spot.
Karl Darlow, Leeds’ second summer acquisition, will be eagerly awaiting his time to make the first team, but if Meslier can continue to play well and make smart decisions, that’s not going to happen.
The referees’ whistle prevented him from blushing in this instance, but given Leeds’ awful defense thus far this season, Farke must be thinking of Darlow.
With just one clean sheet in all competitions so far this season, Farke will be eager to correct the clumsy errors that have surfaced in the first few weeks of the campaign. Perhaps having a solid, veteran goalkeeper in the goal could help with this.
Farke has confidence right now, but in the Championship, confidence may vanish rapidly.
