Simon Grayson has claimed a Leeds United player produced one of the “biggest” moments of his career last night as Daniel Farke’s side smashed Norwich City 4-0 at Elland Road.
Following a cagey 0-0 draw at Carrow Road, Leeds played host to David Wagner’s side with another tough game expected. But Farke’s men completely annihilated Norwich at Elland Road to go through.
The final now awaits Leeds after Ilia Gruev scored his first goal for the Whites since his move from Werder Bremen. Joel Piroe answered critics with Leeds’ second after a stunning cross from Italy star Willy Gnonto.
A third came before the break when Georginio Rutter slammed a shot into the top corner after a bad run of form that Farke addressed in his post-match press conference, since Rutter’s hernia surgery in March.
The fourth came after the break when Gnonto’s shot was parried by Angus Gunn and Junior Firpo pulled back to give Crysencio Summerville a tap-in. But it was Illan Meslier that earned praise from Grayson.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the 4-0 win, former Whites boss Grayson was effusive in his praise for the star that has come under fire in recent weeks:
Grayson has huge praise for Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier
Shortly after Piroe had made it 2-0 to Leeds, Ethan Ampadu slipped and allowed Josh Sargent through on goal with the chance to halve their deficit. The Canaries couldn’t have picked a better player to score.
The USA star has 16 goals this season but he could not find a way past Meslier with his attempted chip palmed away by Meslier, who was incredibly quick to snuff out the danger and deny Norwich a goal.
It was Meslier’s 21st clean sheet of the season, keeping 19 in the regular Championship campaign and winning the golden glove. Grayson said after the game it is one of the biggest moments of his career.
“The biggest credit you can give, is to the goalkeeper. At 2-0, game back on for Norwich. Crowd becomes a little bit anxious and that is one of the biggest saves that kid will make in his career, I’m telling you.”
What Daniel Farke said about Meslier’s save last night
There is no doubt that £5m signing Meslier has not been at his best since the March break. Like many of his teammates, his form has come under the spotlight with Leeds losing matches during the run in.
Even on Sunday, his distribution left Joe Rodon frustrated and Farke had to address it at half-time. But on Thursday night the Leeds man was pretty much inch-perfect, his save was superb and his kicking was safe.
Farke commented on Meslier after the match, describing Meslier’s stop as world class: “He was not in the game, didn’t have one save to make, but a crucial moment, world class save. All credit goes to him today.”