Whilst Sunderland will be relieved that this mistake kept them top of the table, Farke will have been less than impressed with the French goalkeeper. As Leeds continue to fall below their lofty expectations of this season so far, do the Whites need to move on from Meslier?
Illan Meslier has made a combined 184 appearances for Leeds United, after coming through the ranks at FC Lorient. Interestingly, current Mackems gaffer Regis Le Bris was U19s boss at the French club during the time Meslier was progressing through their youth ranks. Despite once being a promising young keeper, compared to the likes of Courtois and Donnarumma, it is easy to see why Leeds fans may be calling for a change of personnel in between the sticks.
The Frenchman is no longer the up-and-comer he once was, and should really be heading towards the peak of his powers, but there has always been a sense that Meslier is rash, and very much has a mistake in him. Every time the Yorkshire club have faced hardship over the last few years, it hasn't been long until Meslier has become a scapegoat-like figure. When Sam Allardyce was hired as Leeds boss before their relegation from the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, he swiftly dropped Meslier for the last 4 games of the season, and the blunder at Sunderland is not the only high-profile mistake he has made in a Leeds shirt.
Whilst there is no doubt Meslier has talent as a shot-stopper, and at one point was outstanding for a young goalkeeper, it is unnerving for Leeds fans that there seems to be a lack of any sort of progression from his first few seasons as a Leeds player, so maybe it truly is time to say… Au Revoir!