Alan Browne aims dig at Illan Meslier after dramatic end to Sunderland v Leeds United
Alan Browne has had some fun at Illan Meslier’s expense after the shocking mistake late in the contest between Sunderland and Leeds United.
Browne’s attempted ball into the box deflected off Junior Firpo and appeared to bounce kindly towards Meslier, before finding its way past the Frenchman and into the Leeds net to give the Black Cats a fortuitous point at the Stadium of Light.
The match was the first at home from which Sunderland did not take the victory, but given the circumstances a draw will be grabbed with both hands; Browne himself claims his second goal since his summer arrival, though a Firpo own goal has been officially recorded.
Speaking to Sky Sports [4 October] in the immediate aftermath of the game, Browne said: “I turned back around [after playing the ball] and I thought the guys would be fuming.
“But then, I don’t know, the ‘keeper chucked it in the net, so fair play to him.”
Sunderland take fortunate point against Leeds United
Sunderland will take the point and run with it after coming up against a Leeds side stocked with talent, who turned the game on its head after Chris Rigg had opened the scoring.
The start and end to the first half were the Black Cats’ stand-out spells in the Friday night frenzy, with Leeds controlling much of the second period and appearing to have done enough to win the match.
But Regis Le Bris was evidently relieved and surprised in equal measure as Browne’s wayward ball attempt somehow found its way through Meslier, whom he had previously coached as a youngster back in France.
The draw keeps the club top of the Championship heading into the second international break, having taken 19 points from nine games.
Unbeaten Sheffield United sit second level on points with Le Bris’ men, though the Blades are unbeaten with the two sides facing off next month.
In other Sunderland news, a funny moment on talkSPORT as the Leeds game is discussed.
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