Leeds manager Daniel Farke was “heartbroken” after Illan Meslier’s last-gasp mistake handed Sunderland a 2-2 draw in a pulsating Sky Bet Championship encounter.
A costly mistake from Meslier gifted the Black Cats an equaliser in the dying seconds of stoppage time as Alan Browne’s attempted cross brushed off Junior Firpo’s head and the ball bounced past the goalkeeper as he tried to collect it.
The ball then rolled into the net to hand Sunderland a valuable point, with Farke insisting he has never seen the like in his career.
“I’ve worked for 30 years in professional football, I’ve won and lost many points in the last seconds – lucky and unlucky – but to be honest something like this I’ve not experienced in 30 years of professional football,” Farke said.
“To lose those points in this way is heartbreaking, is horrendous, is so sad and disappointing for our lads.
“I feel for my lads because to this moment they’ve done more or less everything right after such a difficult time.
“To lose two points in the last moment of the game in this way is heart-breaking and tough to take, it feels like a bit like a loss. Before the game I would have said away to Sunderland is a good result.”
In an entertaining clash at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland took the lead through teenager Chris Rigg before Joel Piroe levelled with a header.
The visitors took advantage shortly after the break through Firpo’s low strike, which looked to have sealed victory until Meslier’s late error.
“I’m so proud of how we reacted today, how we played, how we dominated this game in major parts and how rock solid we were in the second half,” added Farke.
“So for that, it feels disappointing but I just have compliments for my lads.
“I think they were excellent. I’m pretty proud of what they have delivered and right now they don’t need me to accuse or to speak about the last moments, they just need an arm around their shoulder because for them it’s also heart-breaking.”
Farke added that no immediate explanation about what happened is necessary from Meslier.
He said: “In this moment you don’t have to talk to Illan, he’s the most saddest player in the dressing room.
“We’ve given him a hug and will leave him alone, he doesn’t have to explain today.”
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris empathised with the goalkeeper, but believes a draw was deserved for his side.
“I’m disappointed for him because I like him,” Le Bris said.
“Everyone on the pitch can make a mistake but I think for the goalkeeper and striker, when you make a big mistake the consequences are very important.
“It happened today and we are happy for the final result because I think it was a tough game against a strong team.
“In the end I think we deserved that draw because even if the goal is lucky, for the whole balance of the game, the way we played and the way we adapted our structure it was a good point for us.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
