Alex Roberts

Wed 19 February 2025 20:30, UK

Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier took to social media to share an image from their thrilling late 2-1 Championship win over Sunderland on Monday (February 17).

The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Leeds reclaimed the top spot from rivals Sheffield United in the race for promotion back to the Premier League.

Wilson Isidor opened the scoring for Sunderland in the 32nd minute after turning Ethan Ampadu and scoring past Illan Meslier from a tight angle.

Centre-back Pascal Struijk restored parity in the 78th minute with a flicked header from Joe Rothwell’s pin-point free kick.

Struijk then scored his second and Leeds‘ winner in added time, securing all three points for the West Yorkshire club and sending Elland Road into raptures.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA Keith Hackett admitted it was a “pity” the fourth official called referee Stuart Attwell into the technical area to book Daniel Farke after a last-gasp winner for Leeds.

Illan Meslier celebrates crucial Leeds win after howler in reverse fixture

Meslier remains a key player for Leeds despite getting savage abuse from a significant number of fans at numerous points throughout the season, starting all 33 of his games across all competitions, conceding 20 goals, and keeping 20 clean sheets.

The ‘keeper made what is arguably the biggest mistake of the season in the reverse fixture, letting the ball bounce from a lofted Junior Firpo backpass instead of catching it, and letting it trickle into the back of the net.

Leeds fans were left stunned after the final whistle on Monday when Meslier appeared to make a gesture towards the Sunderland bench.

The Frenchman took to Instagram to share a couple of images from the game as his side secured a crucial win against their promotion rivals Sunderland.

Leeds will travel to their nearest competitor Sheffield United for their next Championship game on Monday (February 24).

Farke’s side have just 13 league games remaining as they seek to earn promotion back to the Premier League having gone through play-off heartbreak last season.

In other news, Manor Solomon sends message to Leeds fans after ‘permanent Spurs transfer’ plea.

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