Leeds United marked their return from the international break with a crucial 2-0 win over Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday night, a key result against a promotion rival.
After a goalless first half, Leeds picked up the pace in the second. Pascal Struijk broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, and Mateo Joseph sealed the win with a late strike in the 90th, securing all three points.
Moreover, Illan Meslier had an impressive bounce-back performance with a clean sheet after his mishap led to Sunderland drawing the contest before this past FIFA international window.
Leeds back Illan Meslier despite his mistake against the Black Cats
On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson mentioned that the incident “will knock his confidence.” Still, he emphasized that the player has the full backing of his teammates.
“He did nothing wrong in the game,” Robinson told Football Insider. “He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s playing well, it’s just an unfortunate incident, but Meslier is a confidence goalkeeper. You see he thrives on confidence, and it is something that will knock his confidence.
“It is something that every time the ball goes near him for the next couple of weeks, the away fans, the home fans, wherever he’s playing, will remind him of. But the manager will stand by him, the dressing room have gathered around him from what I’m told.
“The best thing he can do is just get out there and play. The international break came at the worst time for him. You just want another game. You want to get it out of the way. Just get playing.“
Leeds need to regroup quickly as they take on Watford this Tuesday night, following the latter’s Saturday loss to Luton Town. The Whites are pushing for a second straight win to maintain their grip on second place as the competition heats up.
If Meslier can record another clean sheet or have a performance where he keeps Leeds in the contest, that will only boost his confidence and allows everyone to put the Sunderland mishap in the past.
