Matthew Upson could not believe Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier’s mistake for the second goal that Arsenal scored last night, as quoted on BBC Sport.
Meslier decided not to clear a routine backpass and instead invited pressure from Bukayo Saka.
The Leeds goalkeeper could not deal with the press from Saka and committed a foul on the 19-year-old Arsenal winger.
The referee pointed to the spot, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang successfully converted the penalty.
It was a very bad mistake from the 20-year-old goalkeeper, who has been playing well this season.
Former Arsenal central defender Upson was following the match for BBC Sport, and he was stunned by the mistake from Meslier, who was criticised on Twitter by former Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse.
Upson said on BBC Sport: “Dear me. I’ve got no idea why he doesn’t just clear that. He should just hit it with his left foot, just put his foot through it.
“He makes a real mess of it and it’s game over. It’s poor play and he’s put his team in a really bad position.”
Disappointing performance from Illan Meslier
It was an evening to forget for Meslier, who could have done better for the first goal as well.
The Frenchman did not look particularly comfortable, especially in the first half, but it is all part of the learning process.
The 20-year-old took a risk that he should not have, and the young goalkeeper will learn from the mistake he made in the Saka penalty incident.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
