Illan Meslier's error gives Sunderland perfect late gift from Leeds: 'He chucked it in'
SUNDERLAND 2-2 LEEDS UNITED: Daniel Farke's side looked set to take all three points at the Stadium of Light - before Illan Meslier's 96th minute howler handed the hosts a share of the spoils
by Simon Bird · The MirrorIllan Meslier dropped a massive clanger in injury time to gift Sunderland a draw.
The Leeds keeper let a simple save from Alan Browne's touch slip through his grasp deep in injury time. The astonishing gaffe ruined a near perfect performance from Daniel Farke’s men and leaves Sunderland alone at the top of the Championship.
"Leeds are falling apart again..." sang the Stadium of Light crowd.
Willy Gnonto inspired Leeds to the brink of their best result of the season, until Meslier’s brainstorm, unable to make a routine pick up from Browne’s flick into the box. Gnonto conjured two assists as goals from Joel Piroe and Junior Firpo. The Yorkshire side weather an early storm coming from behind after teenager Chris Rigg opened the scoring. But the game will be remembered for Meslier’s cock up in the 97th minute.
This was a quality encounter, with tricky Italian Gnonto finding space, and when he was marked he had the pace and skill to produce danger.
These Northern rivals were both vying to start the weekend in top spot, and should both be in the promotion mix come May.
Sunderland’s midfield had an average age of under 20 with skipper Dan Neil flanked by Bellingham and Chris Rigg - who opened the scoring. The talented 17 year-old England youth star crashed home from close range after Leeds’ back line was pulled apart. Patrick Roberts released Trai Hume to the byline and his low cross was met by Dennis Cirkin.
Illan Meslier saved that shot, but Rigg reacted first to the rebound to add to his growing reputation.
Despite an injury list which lengthened this week including five first teamers missing United had threat and poise, stunning the new mood of optimism at Stadium of Light. Piroe, the club's leading scorer, was recalled, and delivered his fourth of the season to level the game. Moments earlier he’d missed flicking a Brenden Aaronson cross into the goal, however Gnonto pinged a perfect cross on to Piroe’s head in the 21st minute and he made the finish look easy.
Without VAR to check, Leeds had got lucky. Replays showed Piroe was marginally offside.
It was game on, and a brilliant response in an intimidating Wearside atmosphere.
Leeds could have had more. Aaronsen got in Firpo’s way, preventing him from smashing in from six yards out. But they were ahead after 55 minutes, when Firpo smashed home from eight yards with gaping holes in the Sunderland defence exploited by Gnonto again. Ex Barca star Firpo is one of the last survivors of Leeds’ last stary in the Premier League, and can play a big part in their return.
Sunderland’s promotion aspirations now face a test with away trips to Hull and Luton, but they'll be thankful for Meslier's late horror-show.
Black Cats midfielder Browne, whose goal Meslier's error goes down as, said it best: "The keeper chucked it in the net so fair play to him."
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