Leeds Utd news: Whites fans turn on goalkeeper Illan Meslier after latest howler

Illan Meslier's mistakes at Hull City not only cost Leeds United two valuable points but also sent the entirety of the club’s fanbase into what can best be described as panic mode.

Despite the backlash, manager Daniel Farke insists that the Whites do not need major reinforcements in the January transfer window in order to maintain their position atop the Championship table.

However, with the top four separated by just four points at this stage, it is a dangerous game for Leeds to be dropping unnecessary points in the promotion race.

Sports News Blitz writer Harry Whitfield takes a look at the concerns of Whites fans.

Illan Meslier and the case of the disappearing points

You are likely sick to death of listening to Leeds fans moan about the state of play at Elland Road.

Yet, there is a good reason for their ire.

Context means everything and, if you have had the opportunity to watch Leeds at any point this season, you will have noticed a certain French goalkeeper making a meal of things in the Whites goal.

The draw against Sunderland, for example, saw what amounted to a haunting moment for Leeds fans but a hilarious one for the neutrals watching.

Sadly, those were not the only points dropped this season due to an error made by Meslier.

On the opening day of the campaign, Elias Sorensen’s strike went straight through his arms as Leeds had to settle for a disappointing 3-3 draw at home to Portsmouth.

Then there was the penalty hit straight at him in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City as well as the newest mistakes against Hull City that saw three points become one.

Such a pattern is borne out by the Frenchman’s individual statistics.

Meslier is ranked 17th in the league for goals prevented and 18th for save percentage whilst facing the lowest shots on target of any ‘keeper at 56.

Although he has kept 14 clean sheets and conceded only 19 goals so far this term, it really should be a lot better considering the overall performance of the club.

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Manager defends Meslier despite fan backlash

Calls for Meslier to be dropped began when Leeds were still in the Premier League after the Whites were on the receiving end of a few spankings, notably by Manchester United and Manchester City.

To be fair, those results were not entirely his fault, but Meslier certainly did not cover himself in any glory.

His confidence has been low ever since and now, this season, it has only got worse.

However, Farke continues to stand by the 24-year-old.

In his latest press conference, ahead of the FA Cup fixture against Harrogate Town, Farke has again encouraged fans to stick by the under-fire number one.

“After the game [against Hull], everyone was annoyed, disappointed, angry, and emotional — and so was I if I am honest,” the German said.

“But it isn’t possible to lead a club like Leeds United in panic mode.”

On his opinion of Meslier’s capabilities: “He’s highly rated in the football world and is worth double figures in terms of millions. In his CV, he has more than 200 games for us and already more than 100 Premier League games.

“I need to see another goalkeeper of his age with that CV.”

Asked whether he would consider dropping Meslier, Farke declared that “it would be a sign of madness right now to think about a change”.

While Farke is largely right, the club cannot afford to be complacent either.

Rival teams will strengthen and, if Leeds do not, the Whites could soon find themselves falling off the pace.

Plus, who is to say that Meslier will not make another mistake. If he does end up costing the side more points, it will be interesting to hear what Farke says then.

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Striking problems add to Whites’ woes

Another cause for concern for Leeds fans is the lack of a lethal goalscorer to complement the rich array of attacking midfielders at Elland Road.

Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, and Daniel James have all been brilliant in the middle of the park this term.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the forwards.

While Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani remain effective on their day, Mateo Joseph has just the two goals to his name, and both Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt are – at the halfway point of the season – yet to score.

Joel Piroe has managed a somewhat respectable ten strikes but, for the most part, goals have had to be shared amongst the squad.

On this, Farke has been consistent in his belief that Piroe, Gnonto, and Joseph can fire Leeds back to the Premier League.

The patchy form and poor strike rate of the latter two might put a spanner in the works of that dream, though.

It is also worth remembering that Crysencio Summerville scored 20 goals for Leeds last season and even that was not enough as the play-offs ultimately defeated Farke and his merry men.

In the end, with rivals sure to bolster their squads in the January transfer window and Farke likely to rest on his laurels, Leeds fans will just have to wait and see what happens, no matter how stressful it gets.

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