Jesse Marsch has praised Illan Meslier’s ‘massive potential’ after the Leeds United goalkeeper pulled off a string of outstanding saves in the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa. The Whites lost the second game of their pre-season tour of Australia courtesy of a Danny Ings penalty in a match overshadowed by the worrying sight of Archie Gray being stretchered off in tears.
Sunday morning’s friendly was anything but, with historical needle between the two sides reignited amid a host of rash challenges and questionable refereeing. Gray was forced off after a strong tackle from John McGinn, whose Villa side won two penalties for handball.
Danny Ings slotted home the eventual winner from the spot following Leif Davis’ failed attempts to pretend the ball hit his face, but it could have been more were it not for Meslier’s intervention. The 22-year-old palmed out Phillipe Coutinho’s first-half penalty and then spread his 6ft 4in frame to block the rebound, before getting another strong hand to Ollie Watkins’ effort minutes later.
