Leeds defender Luke Ayling has backed goalkeeper Illan Meslier to come back stronger after his mistake-ridden showing during the 4-2 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.
20-year-old Meslier looked rushed and hurried throughout the encounter at the Emirates and was beaten twice at his near post while also conceding a penalty for an awful tangle with Bukayo Saka.
Penalty!@BukayoSaka87 closes down Meslier and wins the ball before being brought down in the area – and now we will have a chance to double our advantage
? 1-0 ⚪️ (40)#ARSLEE
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 14, 2021
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Marcelo Bielsa’s side did make a fist of a comeback during the second half having been four goals down shortly after half time, with Pascal Struijk and Helder Costa striking to reduce the deficit during the second period.
However, the damage had been done as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first Premier League hat trick and Hector Bellerin netted another.
The penalty came as Meslier dallied on the ball, allowing Saka to nip in before he was brought down by the goalkeeper.
Speaking after the game, Ayling defended the shot stopper, citing his previous performances for Leeds so far this season.
“He’s still a very young lad, he’s only 20 and playing Premier League football,” Ayling told beIN SPORTS.
Luke Ayling is backing Illan Meslier to bounce back from his costly error that handed Arsenal a penalty today. #beINPL #ARSLEE
Watch Now – https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ pic.twitter.com/CW3h4Y1oXi
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 14, 2021
“He’ll learn from it. He’s been brilliant for us this season, the gaffer has put a lot of faith in him to play out from the back and days like that might happen, but it’s about how you bounce back from that and I’m sure he will bounce back from it.”
Meslier has featured in all but one of Leeds‘ 23 Premier League games so far this season and has conceded 41 goals, with Leeds’ approach often leaving them short at the back. However, they have delivered some scintillating attacking displays to go along with the howlers, leaving them 11th in the top flight and only two points behind the Gunners.
