(Credit: Imago)
Mon 31 March 2025 16:10, UK
Leeds United are dealing with the fallout of a damaging draw at home to Swansea City, with their automatic promotion hopes now in jeopardy.
Leeds thought they had secured a vital three points after Willy Gnonto’s late goal to put the home side ahead, but they were stunned in the dying seconds.
Zan Vipotnik raced through after Leeds were dispossessed in midfield and fired a shot past goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who has come in for heavy criticism since the 2-2 draw.
Meslier has been below par all season, and he was certainly at fault for the first Swansea goal, with the Frenchman fumbling the ball from a corner. However, his role in the second goal has now been questioned.
Micah Richards has defended Illan Meslier after his latest howler.Micah Richards defends Meslier after Swansea equaliser
Micah Richards has now lamented the Leeds result, which could cost them dearly in the promotion battle, but has also defended Meslier over the late equaliser.
“I don’t really think the second one was his fault,” Richards told The Rest Is Football Podcast.
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Illan Meslier this season
“Leeds give it away in midfield, yes, he could do better, but it’s not his fault conceding that.”
Meslier has been slammed for his role in the goal, with the shot near him, but Richards is clearly keen to highlight his teammates for allowing the opportunity to shoot in the first place.
Meslier must be taken out of Leeds firing line
Whether or not Meslier was wholly to blame for Swansea’s second equaliser, the goalkeeper simply needs to be taken out of the firing line in the coming weeks.
Meslier’s mistakes have cost Leeds on several occasions this season, and it could end up costing them automatic promotion, with Sheffield United and Burnley firmly in the mix.
Daniel Farke would be wise to drop Meslier for Karl Darlow, at least temporarily, with the 25-year-old’s confidence completely shot.
Another costly mistake would be disastrous, and the Leeds back four may have more confidence in an experienced option in Darlow for the final run-in this season.
Meslier’s future at Elland Road has come under serious question, with a new goalkeeper likely to be on the agenda whether or not Leeds return to the Premier League.
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