Illan Meslier sends message to fans after Leeds United thrash Watford
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier sent a message to fans after their dominant 4-0 victory over Watford in the Championship.
Leeds cruised to a convincing win at Vicarage Road on 11 February against Watford, with a first-half brace from Dan James and goals from Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon sealing the result.
James’ standout performance had Leeds fans calling for him to be named Player of the Season after another impressive display.
Meslier returned to the starting lineup after being rested for the FA Cup defeat to Millwall. That loss had put Daniel Farke’s job as Leeds boss under pressure, but this emphatic victory will help ease concerns and restore confidence.
Daniel Farke is being patient with Illan Meslier for the time being
Meslier has remained Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, delivering solid performances with 32 appearances, starting every Championship game and keeping 20 clean sheets.
The Frenchman took to Instagram after the resounding victory, posting: “Top performance from the team. We keep pushing!”
However, Meslier has faced criticism at Leeds this season for errors leading to goals, with fans voicing their frustrations.
Football Insider revealed in January that Leeds were considering signing a new goalkeeper, but faith has since been restored in the French international.
With only 19 goals conceded this season, the defence has kept strong, even though some of Meslier’s mistakes have cost the team points.
Despite this, the goalkeeper remains under contract at Elland Road until 2026 and has been a key figure for the club since joining in 2020, racking up over 200 appearances.
Leeds gaining distance to secure Premier League promotion
Meslier was linked with a surprise move to Man United last month, as the Red Devils continue to struggle with Andre Onana’s inconsistent form. However, no deal materialised, and he remains Farke’s starting goalkeeper.
The Yorkshire club ultimately opted against signing a goalkeeper in the winter window, and with six consecutive clean sheets in the league, Meslier appears to have regained his confidence.
The win against Watford has boosted morale despite the club’s early FA Cup exit, as the club sit top of the table with 69 points, five points clear of second-placed Sheffield United.