Garth Crooks has claimed that there is ‘no doubt’ that Illan Meslier fluffed his lines prior to Watford thinking they equalised during their clash at Leeds on Saturday, as he told Final Score.
Leeds recorded a 1-0 win against the newly-promoted side, but it was a game full of drama and entertainment.
Even though Diego Llorente scored in the first half for the Whites, it should have been a lot more.
But given that the home team weren’t able to put their chances away, the pressure and heat inside Elland Road was increasing.
Watford thought they had equalised when, from a corner, Meslier didn’t deal with the set-piece well enough and it was eventually bundled home.
But the referee judged that Christian Kabasele fouled Liam Cooper as the corner was coming in, as Crooks seemingly agreed with the controversial call.
“Well, I think Meslier has dropped the ball,” said Crooks. “No doubt about it. Having said that, there has been an altercation prior to him getting the ball in the box.
“Two players have come together and the referee has deemed it a foul and Leeds get a reprieve.”
If Leeds did concede then, on the balance of play, it wouldn’t have been deserved and a sucker punch for the Yorkshire side.
But for the Leeds fans, they are finally off the mark and have put up their first three points of the season.
Perhaps the international break has now come at a wrong time for them, but it’s still a relief for the Leeds faithful.
The problem with Leeds is that their all-action style does invite more pressure on their defence and it doesn’t help when they are being hit with injuries and suspensions.
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