Leeds United made a deliberate decision to offload plenty of players who were no longer good enough to contribute under Daniel Farke.
The likes of Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe moved back to the Championship. This is whilst Lucas Perri and Willy Gnonto ended up moving to Italy.
However, another player they let leave, but as a free agent over the summer, was Illan Meslier. When considering how poor the Frenchman has been for multiple years at Leeds, we all fell out of our chairs when we heard that the goalkeeper was heading to Arsenal.
It was obviously the correct decision to let Meslier go this summer. If anything, we should’ve got rid of him much sooner. However, Meslier’s performance for the Gunners last night is further evidence that the 49ers made the right choice.
Illan Meslier criticised as Arsenal thrown out of the Carabao Cup
In what is likely to be the biggest shock of the season, League Two Fleetwood knocked out the reigning champions of England, Arsenal, in the Carabao Cup.
Fleetwood initially went a goal up before Viktor Gyokeres drew the Gunners level. The League Two outfit were not deterred, however and went on to win on penalties 5-3.
Arsenal supporters are used to watching one of the best goalkeepers in the world, David Raya, make save after save for them on a weekly basis. Last night, they were subjected to watching Meslier.
The 26-year-old was handed a rare game by Mikel Arteta in what should’ve been a straightforward win.
Now we know it was anything but. For Fleetwood’s goal, Meslier was megged by Aaron Loupalo-Bi. The Frenchman also failed to make a single save in the penalty shootout.
The former Leeds man was heavily criticised for his performance in the aftermath of the game. The Sun gave Meslier a 5/10 match rating. When explaining the decision, they said, “A debut for the summer arrival and one that some thought could spell the end of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s time in goal.
“Although his attempt to save Fleetwood’s opener didn’t exactly go a long way to securing himself the No.2 spot, nor did his failure to save a single penalty.”
The London Standard was also harsh on Meslier, giving him a 3/10 for his performance. “Handed a surprise start. Hesitated when Loupalo-Bi was clean through as the striker then slotted through his legs. Unable to bail Arsenal out in a way Raya often does, and then did not even threaten a shootout save,” they said when justifying the decision.
Football London also gave Meslier a 5/10. They too claimed he could’ve done better for Fleetwood’s opener.
Cannot believe Mikel Arteta handed Illan Meslier a start
As Leeds fans, reading all this about Meslier’s lacklustre performance will come as no surprise.
At one stage Meslier was good for us, but in the final couple of years at Leeds, he proved that he’s not even a top-end Championship-level shot-stopper.
This makes it all the more baffling that Arteta started Meslier last night in the cup.
I know they should’ve won regardless. But they had Kepa Arrizabalaga on the bench, who is a far superior player to Meslier.
Like it or not, Arsenal are the best team in the country. With the potential of Manchester City getting relegated too, it is a perfect opportunity for the Gunners to create a dynasty over the next few years and pick up as much silverware as they can.
So to risk this by playing Meslier in goal is laughable. Any Leeds fan would’ve told you it’s the wrong decision; he’s a million miles away from being good enough to play for a side as impressive as Arsenal.
Now I’m sure Arteta won’t make this mistake again this season when the FA Cup fixtures come round.
Illian Meslier was distroyed by Daniel Farke. Very brutal from our manager.