Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is in the spotlight after his costly mistake allowed Sunderland to equalize 2-2 in stoppage time, leading to the Whites dropping points.
The match started poorly for Leeds, with Chris Rigg scoring for the home team just nine minutes in. However, the Whites quickly responded, as Joël Piroe found the back of the net in the 22nd minute.
Both teams went into halftime tied at 1-1. Early in the second half, Junior Firpo put Leeds ahead with a goal in the 56th minute, looking like it would be the winner. But in the dying seconds of stoppage time, Illan Meslier made a costly mistake that allowed the Black Cats to equalize.
Alan Browne’s cross deflected off Firpo’s head, and as Meslier tried to catch the ball, it slipped through his fingers and rolled into the net, giving Sunderland a crucial point.
Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris counsels Illan Meslier
Once the whistle blew, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was seen talking with the Leeds standout in an attempt to counsel the player after his mishap resulted in the Whites coughing up a win. In his postgame remarks, Le Bris shared what he told his former player.
“I’m disappointed for him,” Le Bris said (h/t Leeds Live). “I like this boy and I like the goalkeeper as well. Everyone on the pitch can make a mistake. For a goalkeeper and a striker, when you make a big mistake the consequences are very important. It happened today, we’re happy for the final result because it was a tough game against a strong team.
“Still difficult because when you make this kind of mistake you’re disappointed for him. I can’t say anything. We just spoke about the action and said the ball changed direction when it touched the ground and it was surprising – happy for me but not so happy for him.”
Leeds will feel frustrated with their recent result, particularly after dropping points in such a disappointing manner just as the FIFA international break begins. With the team dealing with an injury crisis, many fans are likely to be anxious as players head off to join their national squads.
