Seven years after joining Leeds United on loan, Daniel Farke allowed Illan Meslier to leave Elland Road on a free transfer. Now, after his debut for Arsenal, Gunners fans are starting to realise why.

Arsenal suffered a shock defeat in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night as League Two side Fleetwood Town knocked Mikel Arteta’s side out of the competition on penalties. Max Dowman received a red card.

Former Leeds target Viktor Gyokeres might have equalised for Arsenal, but it wasn’t enough. The game went to penalties, and Fleetwood scored all five of their spot-kicks, while Bruno Guimaraes missed his.

Arsenal fans criticise Meslier for diving too early v Fleetwood

Fleetwood scored all five of their penalties last night, with Meslier seemingly taking a step before diving – a tell, handing the advantage to the taker. Replays show Meslier moving too early for the first and third.

Arsenal fans weren’t happy with Meslier’s technique in the shootout. But then, Arsenal have gotten used to David Raya, who finished 2nd in the race for the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony this week.

Not only were Arsenal fans frustrated with Meslier’s timing, but also that he dived to his right for all five of Fleetwood’s penalties. One said: “Do we have an explanation for why Meslier played over Kepa?”

One fan got down to the crux of the issue: “Should do better for the goal. Really poor in the shootout. Went early every time,” while another said: “Meslier there like vintage Raya diving out of the way early.”

Another made it clear: “Meslier is the worst keeper I’ve ever seen; he jumps so early every time,” and that was backed up by another supporter’s verdict: “Meslier dives too early. Worse than Raya at penalties.”

Meslier’s dismal penalty record while at Leeds: Saved 3 of 31

Many felt Meslier should have done better with Fleetwood’s goal, though Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s effort was hardly down to the Frenchman. The Fleetwood youngster’s effort slipped through an onrushing Meslier.

During his time at Leeds, Meslier faced 31 penalties in all competitions – including eight in the only shootout while he was at Elland Road; a 6-5 win over Fulham. During that time, he saved three penalties.

Ultimately, Meslier’s record is poor. Most top-flight goalkeepers average between one penalty save every five or six spot-kicks. Facing 31, a goalkeeper in the top flight would be expected to save six or seven.

The ultimate criticism of Meslier is that he dives too early. In the 3-2 loss to Chelsea in 2021, he went early for both of Jorginho’s penalties. The same for Gabriel Jesus’ penalty during Arsenal’s 4-1 win in 2023.

Meslier is Arsenal’s third-choice keeper, and with the Gunners now out of the League Cup, it is possible that he might have played only this season – especially judging by his performance.

But for Leeds fans, it brought up bad memories of just how nervous it was to watch Meslier stand between the sticks week in, week out. Especially, during his time under current manager Daniel Farke.

Mistakes against the likes of Swansea, Hull, Preston, Portsmouth and more threatened to end Leeds’ chances of promotion under Farke. Luckily, albeit eventually, Farke dropped him and he left on a free.