Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has called goalkeeper Illan Meslier the best in the league after the 23-year-old’s heroics against Leicester City. With the Whites moments away from a statement victory over the runaway leaders, Meslier was on hand to claw out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s back-post header as the Foxes man looked destined to score.

Farke’s side had taken the lead when Georginio Rutter stabbed home a rebound just before the hour mark. Despite the hosts seeing more of the ball, Leeds were good value for the win with Dewsbury-Hall’s header the only shot on target for Enzo Maresca’s men.

Meslier had been an ever-present in the Leeds goal since replacing Kiko Casilla as number one in 2020 until a dip in form saw previous manager Sam Allardyce looked to the experience of Joel Robles in last season’s failed survival battle. This campaign, new boss Farke is keen to help his goalkeeper recapture his best form.

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Maresca’s view

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca insists Sunderland were more ‘aggressive and consistent’ than Leeds United, despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to Daniel Farke’s side on Friday night.

The Black Cats lost by the same scoreline in close game to the Foxes last month, but Leicester couldn’t find a 10th consecutive win when they came up against Leeds on Friday night. Georginio Rutter’s 57th-minute goal was enough to make sure Leeds closed in on Ipswich in second place, and condemn Leicester to their second home defeat of the season.

Abdul Fatawu hit the crossbar in the first half, but Leicester managed only one effort on target during the game. And while Maresca was full of praise for Leeds, he said Sunderland had caused his side more problems.

Farke’s yellow card

Daniel Farke has apologised after picking up what he’s called just his second yellow card in over 200 games. The Leeds United boss was cautioned for remonstrating with officials in the Whites’ 1-0 win over table topping Leicester City, with referee Dean Whitestone handing out the yellow card.

“Yes, today I have probably to accept that it’s the second yellow card in over 200 games in English football, it’s a bit disappointing I got this yellow card because for me it was definitely a foul,” Farke said post-match when asked about his view of the officiating.

“I think the question was a bit, is it a penalty or is it outside, then it’s a free-kick and a red card. He didn’t whistle anything and for me it was a decisive moment, because if you play in overload or go in the lead with a penalty, it would have changed the game and it is decisive on this level.

Former Leeds United defender Tony Dorigo has praised the togetherness of Daniel Farke’s side after their statement victory away at runaway leaders Leicester City. Georginio Rutter’s predatory strike was the only goal on the night, with Leeds having goalkeeper Illan Meslier to thank after the France youth international produced a stunning save to deny Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from equalising at the death.

It was just the second time the Foxes have tasted defeat this season and sees Leeds close the gap to the leaders to eleven points. According to Dorigo, the result will mean a lot more to the group than just the three points.

“We have come to a team that is supposedly almost unbeatable,” the defender-turned-pundit told LUTV. “They are flying back to the Premier League and we have beaten them so that says a lot.

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