Illan Meslier sold Leeds ‘up the river’ with Swansea ‘shocker’ – Paul Merson
Illan Meslier made two calamitous errors as Leeds United drew 2-2 with Swansea City, further denting their hopes of securing automatic promotion this season.
Meslier’s career as a young goalkeeper was epitomised by his performance in Leeds’ draw against Swansea at Elland Road, with the 25-year-old saving a first-half penalty from Josh Tymon before adding to his catalogue of recent errors.
Daniel Farke’s side made an electric start to proceedings in front of their home fans, when Brendon Aaronson put Leeds ahead after just 35 seconds.
However, Meslier failed to claim a cross in which he fumbled into the path of defender Harry Darling for an easy finish to level the scores.
Second-half substitute Wilfred Gnonto thought he had won it with almost his first touch only for Zan Vipotnik’s low shot to go under Meslier and into the net deep into stoppage time, with former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson saying the goalkeeper sold Leeds “up the river” with his performance.
From hero to zero for Meslier
Reacting live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday after the Swansea equaliser at 4.57pm, Merson said: “Oh no no no no, keeper’s got to save that as well, Meslier’s got to save that.
“He’s hit it hard and low… no, keeper’s got to save it. He’s sold them up the swanny today, he’s sold them up the river like a swan…
“Yeah it’s a shocker. He’s hit it on the diagonal and it’s gone under him again. He saved the penalty and then he’s become a villain. 2-2, two dropped [points], wow.”
Leeds automatic Premier League promotion under threat
Football Insider verdict
Following Sheffield United’s comfortable 3-1 victory over in-form Coventry City on Friday [28 March] and more dropped points for Leeds, Farke’s men now sit in second two points behind the Blades.
This is not the first time Meslier has come under the firing line for Leeds, as his errors against Sunderland and Hull also cost his side points earlier in the season.
| Meslier errors leading to goals | Number of points dropped |
| Sunderland 2-2 | 2 |
| Hull 3-3 | 2 |
| Swansea 2-2 | 2 |
After his time in the Premier League, many believed Meslier would go on to cut these type of mistakes out of his game as he gained experience and became a more rounded goalkeeper.
Mesiler has the attributes to be a top keeper in the modern game, as his distribution, agility and foot-work mean he is comfortable in any possession-based style.
The Frenchman has made 1,160 passes over 35 matches this campaign, which averages 33 passes per game. Not only this, but his 80% pass completion rate further highlights his ability to help the team build attacks and play out from the back.
Couple this with his aerial presence at six-foot-six-inches tall, in theory Meslier is well equipped to claim any crosses coming into the box.
The aim for him will be to not only overcome the mental barrier of making mistakes as a goalkeeper, but to refine his game if Leeds are to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League for next season.