Astonished by the skills of Leeds United’s goalkeeper Illan Meslier, even in the face of two conceded goals during a 2-2 draw against Watford on Friday (29 March), Chris Iwelumo couldn’t help but praise the Frenchman. Meslier’s impressive save against Emmanuel Dennis was remarkable, but Vakoun Issouf Bayo managed to score soon after to give Watford the lead.
Though Leeds struggled, Meslier’s saves kept them in the game, ultimately leading to Mateo Joseph’s late equalizer. Iwelumo, speaking on talkSPORT, commented on the match, calling Bayo’s goal “excellent” and praising Meslier’s efforts.
Meslier’s strong performance at Vicarage Road was instrumental in securing a point for Leeds, showcasing his consistent form this season. Despite the goals conceded, Meslier’s 17 Championship clean sheets speak to his importance to the team.
While the defensive partnership of Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon has been critical, the absence of Ilia Gruev saw Ampadu moved from centre-back to midfield, disrupting the duo’s effectiveness. Liam Cooper’s inclusion instead of Ampadu had mixed results, with Leeds struggling defensively.
Meslier’s heroics saved Leeds from a potential loss, highlighting his value to the team. Without his contributions, Watford may have capitalized on missed opportunities to secure a win against the promotion contenders.
