Illan Meslier’s late mistake in the 97th minute allowed Sunderland to equalize, keeping them at the top of the Championship table. Leeds United’s hopes of closing the gap were dashed by this last-minute blunder.
- Illan Meslier’s error led to a Sunderland equalizer in the 97th minute.
- The draw keeps Sunderland leading the Championship standings.
- Leeds United missed the chance to close the gap at the top.
Illan Meslier’s Costly Error
In a thrilling Championship match at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland and Leeds United ended in a 2-2 draw. Illan Meslier, Leeds’ goalkeeper, made a crucial mistake in the final moments, allowing Sunderland to equalize. The match, attended by 41,769 fans, saw Sunderland take an early lead with Chris Rigg’s goal in the 9th minute. Leeds responded with goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo, leading 2-1 until Meslier’s error resulted in an own goal by Firpo in the 97th minute. This result maintains Sunderland’s unbeaten home record.
Watch: Illan Meslier howler keeps Sunderland top of Championship table
Sunderland 2 Leeds United 2: Goalkeeper lets ball slip through his fingers and into the net to gift Sunderland a 97th-minute equaliser
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— Times Sport (@TimesSport)
October 04, 2024
Meslier’s Season and Impact
Illan Meslier, the young French goalkeeper for Leeds United, had a night to forget. His late mistake cost Leeds crucial points, overshadowing his otherwise solid season. Meslier, who joined Leeds from FC Lorient in 2020, has been a key player, achieving 4 clean sheets in 8 appearances. Despite his strong performances, this error highlights the unpredictability of football. For more on Leeds United’s season and Meslier’s role, visit the dedicated page.
Managerial Reactions
The reactions from both teams reflected the emotional intensity of the match. Sunderland’s manager, Regis Le Bris, praised the team’s resilience and expressed confidence in Meslier’s ability to recover. Leeds United’s manager, Daniel Farke, described the outcome as a “sucker-punch,” emphasizing the need to focus on future fixtures. This result leaves Leeds striving to close the gap at the top, while Sunderland continues to lead the Championship. For a broader context on English football, visit the Premier League overview.
