Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier made a costly mistake in stoppage time of the second half, misplaying the ball and allowing Sunderland to equalize. Despite the error, one journalist believes that the Whites cannot make a change in the goalkeeping position.
The contest got off to a rocky start for Leeds after Chris Rigg put the home side ahead early with a ninth-minute goal to make it 1-0. However, the Whites quickly responded, as Joël Piroe equalized in the 22nd minute.
Both sides went into halftime tied at 1-1. Junior Firpo gave Leeds the lead again with a goal in the 56th minute, which seemed enough to secure the win. But the game took a dramatic twist in stoppage time.
A costly error from Meslier allowed Sunderland to equalize. Alan Browne’s cross hit Firpo’s head, and as Meslier attempted to gather it, the ball slipped through his fingers and into the net, giving Sunderland a crucial point.
Why Leeds cannot make a change at goalkeeper
BBC’s Adam Pope thinks Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier will keep his starting position for the upcoming match against Sheffield United, even after the ‘horrific’ mistake that cost Daniel Farke’s team two points in their 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
“It’s a horrific error, whatever way you want to look at it, but I agree with you,” Pope said on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. “I think it’s Sheffield United at home, isn’t it, the next game, which is a huge game, under the spotlight, it’s Elland Road. Sheffield United will be doing their best every time the ball goes anywhere near Meslier to give him a hard time.
“If he takes him out of that game, it’s basically saying, ‘I do not trust you in the big games‘. And I don’t get the impression that he’s about to do that at all. The way he was talking, yes, he says, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that, I’ve lost points late on in games, but I’ve never seen anything like that in 30 years’.
“And he said, ‘I didn’t really speak to him afterwards, or haven’t done so yet’. But he wanted to talk about all the positive stuff in that game, which you’re right, includes one brilliant save near the beginning, while he was then let down by the others afterwards. So I don’t see him pulling him out to be quite honest.”