‘Leeds fans go wild over Karl Darlow v Preston in rebuke of Illan Meslier’
Leeds United supporters made their feelings known over Karl Darlow after Daniel Farke made a key change to the team recently.
After multiple point-costing mistakes in between the sticks, Illan Meslier was taken out of the Leeds lineup against Luton Town and was forced to continue watching from the bench on Tuesday, 8 April.
While the Whites were held to a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road, the Welshman made some important saves, keeping his spot in the team to face Middlesbrough, and securing a clean sheet, vitally.
Although Kaine Kesler-Hayden fired in an equaliser for Preston North End, Darlow offered far more stability at the back in a 2-1 win at Elland Road, and fans were quick to show their support throughout.
Elland Road faithful support Karl Darlow in between the sticks
Taking to X, The Athletic journalist Beren Cross wrote: “Honestly, these Darlow claims off corners are being celebrated like goals in the stands,” denying Preston many chances in the air.
He had previously written, via X: “Darlow does really well to stretch and claim a powerful, whipped corner. Holds on and goes down. Rapturous applause from the stadium for that reliability.”
The Welshman did pick up a yellow card for handball, coming narrowly outside of his box to punch a cross away, but that was a minor bump in an overall decent performance in goal.
Illan Meslier could be finished at Leeds United
Football Insider verdict
Leeds fans have voiced their concerns over Meslier, who has continued to make incredible errors in between the sticks all season, which in turn, could cost the club promotion.
Without the Frenchman’s many blunders, the Whites might already be on their way to promotion back to the Premier League, and Farke’s future as Leeds manager likely depends on it.
The decision to replace Meslier for Darlow has been lauded by the Elland Road faithful, and with the supporters well behind the Welshman now, it looks like he might be the first-choice shot-stopper.
| Karl Darlow v Preston North End | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Saves | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 65% |
| High claims | 2 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Touches | 39 |
With Burnley and Sheffield United not slowing down in the race for automatic promotion, it is vital that mistakes are kept to a minimum, and Meslier clearly cannot be trusted on the pitch.
It is quite a sad decline for a goalkeeper who often shows promise in between the sticks, but with Darlow offering more confidence behind his defence, it is almost a no-brainer decision for Farke right now.
After picking up another three points against Preston, Meslier might not be able to get back into the team before the end of the season.