Illan Meslier, Leeds United’s goalkeeper, had a moment to forget in injury time as his mistake gifted Sunderland a dramatic 2-2 draw, allowing the Championship leaders to maintain their unbeaten home record.
The dramatic equaliser came in the 97th minute, much to the dismay of Leeds manager Daniel Farke, whose side appeared to have secured three points. Sunderland’s manager, Régis Le Bris, will be relieved as his team remains top of the league.
Meslier’s Calamitous Error
Leeds were ahead 2-1 when substitute Alan Browne chipped a harmless ball back into the box after Jobe Bellingham’s header from a free kick. Meslier, expecting a routine collection, was deceived by the ball’s benign bounce. It bypassed his hands and legs, ending in the back of the net. The own goal, registered to Junior Firpo, brought groans from the Leeds supporters.
Speaking after the game, Leeds manager Farke was shocked. “In 30 years of professional football, I’ve never seen a moment like that. Normally, the goalkeeper just clears the ball. I won’t speak to Illan now; I’ll wait for things to calm down. It’s a sucker punch,” Farke said.
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A Mentor’s Mixed Emotions
Sunderland manager Le Bris, who once coached Meslier at Lorient’s academy, had mixed emotions. He expressed empathy for his former protégé, stating, “I like Illan as a goalkeeper and as a boy. Football is unpredictable, and mistakes like this happen. But we pushed until the end and deserved the draw.”
Le Bris consoled a disconsolate Meslier at the final whistle. However, he was pleased with his team’s resilience, especially considering the tactical shifts they made throughout the match, transitioning from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2 formation.
Early Drama and Equaliser
The match was a thrilling affair from the start. Sunderland’s teenage sensation Chris Rigg gave the home side the lead in the ninth minute. After Meslier had parried Dennis Cirkin’s initial shot, Rigg pounced on the rebound and fired it home. The 17-year-old has already caught the attention of top European clubs, and this goal will only add to his rising stock.
Leeds, however, were quick to respond. Joël Piroe, who found space in the Sunderland box, headed in a cross from Willy Gnonto. There was some debate about whether Gnonto was offside, but the goal stood. The equaliser silenced the Stadium of Light, marking the first goal Sunderland had conceded at home this season.
Second-Half Surge by Leeds
Leeds dominated the early exchanges of the second half, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell controlling the midfield. Their pressing forced mistakes from Sunderland’s young pairing of Bellingham and Rigg, who, despite their talent, showed signs of inexperience. Bellingham, Sunderland’s 19-year-old midfielder, was booked for a foul on Piroe, adding to the tension.
Leeds capitalised on a lapse in Sunderland’s defence when left-back Junior Firpo, unmarked, stormed into the box and exchanged passes with Gnonto. Firpo’s clinical finish put Leeds ahead in the 59th minute.
Sunderland’s Late Resurgence
Despite being behind, Sunderland refused to give up. They gradually grew into the second half, with Patrick Roberts a constant threat down the right flank. Leeds defended valiantly, but Sunderland’s persistence paid off in the dying moments.
Alan Browne’s chipped pass, combined with Meslier’s lapse in concentration, gave Sunderland the lifeline they needed. Although Firpo was ultimately credited with an own goal, Meslier will be held responsible for the mishap.
Le Bris Reflects on Sunderland’s Fight
Sunderland manager Le Bris praised his team’s fighting spirit. “Leeds are a strong team, and they were difficult to play against. But we took risks, pushed forward, and it paid off,” he said.
The result means Sunderland remain undefeated at home this season, retaining their position at the top of the Championship.
Leeds Dominant Despite Setback
For much of the match, Leeds looked the better side, with Willy Gnonto the standout player. His quick feet and sharp footballing brain made life difficult for Sunderland’s defence. The Italian winger not only created both of Leeds’ goals but also provided a constant threat, linking up brilliantly with Piroe and Tanaka.
Farke will be encouraged by his team’s performance, despite the late setback. “We played well, and I’m proud of how the players controlled large parts of the game,” he said. “We’ll learn from this and move forward.”
Match Statistics
- Possession: Leeds 51%, Sunderland 49%
- Goals: Sunderland 2 (Rigg 9’, Firpo OG 90+7’), Leeds 2 (Piroe 22’, Firpo 59’)
- Lineups:
- Sunderland: Patterson, Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin, Rigg, Neil, Bellingham, Roberts, Isidor, Mundle
- Leeds: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo, Tanaka, Rothwell, Gnonto, Aaronson, Ramazani, Piroe
Conclusion
In a game full of drama and skill, Illan Meslier’s error in stoppage time handed Sunderland a hard-fought draw. Both teams displayed moments of brilliance, but it was Sunderland’s persistence that kept them at the top of the Championship. Leeds will rue the missed opportunity but remain in contention for promotion.