Illan Meslier has made an impact upon a first big test for new club Arsenal after leaving Leeds United for the Gunners this summer.
Meslier, who made 215 appearances for Leeds, left the club this summer as his contract expired having fallen behind both Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri in the Elland Road goalkeeper ranks.
The promotion-winning Whites keeper did not play a single minute of first team football last season yet the Frenchman then sealed a surprise move to Arsenal having left the Whites.
Meslier made his Arsenal debut in last weekend’s friendly at home to League One outfit MK Dons in which he was brought on in the 59th minute to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A bigger test awaited in Arsenal’s second friendly of the summer on Saturday against recently relegated Segunda Division side Girona in Spain for the 49th Costa Brava Trophy.
Meslier was again named on the bench as Kepa again started between the sticks, first choice keeper David Raya yet to return following his break after World Cup glory with Spain.
Meslier was then brought on in the 61st minute, at which point the Gunners were 4-1 up thanks to strikes from Kai Havertz, summer signing Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners continued to dominate although Meslier made two good saves to prevent Girona’s Abel Ruiz from netting and his performance was praised in the Arsenal player ratings.
Writing for The Sun, Arsenal reporter Joshua Hall gave Meslier a 7/10 and wrote: “Some really tidy saves from the new arrival, who joined on a free transfer after his Leeds contract expires this summer. With so many youth players on the pitch alongside him, Meslier stepped in to clean up their mistakes.”
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier makes impact upon first big Arsenal test
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier makes impact upon first big Arsenal test