Ian Wright has criticism for one Leeds player, says he was at fault on Monday

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Ian Wright has told Premier League Productions on Optus Sport that he believes Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier was at fault for West Ham United’s second goal on Monday night – as the Hammers secured three points at the London Stadium.

Goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson saw West Ham maintain their push for Champions League football. If the Hammers win their game in hand over Chelsea, they will be in the top four and Monday’s win was crucial to that.

However, the Hammers were far from their best and had to rely on a penalty and a set-play to secure the win. Their defensive rearguard was tested and had it not been for a controversial VAR decision and Patrick Bamford’s misses, they would have won.

Wright has criticised £16,500-a-week (Spotrac) man Meslier for West Ham’s second goal. Aaron Cresswell’s corner was a deep one – but Michail Antonio’s positioning prevented Meslier from coming to claim it. Wright feels he should have done more.

“You look at Leeds’ marking, it’s so poor. The ball is so good, Leeds are hoping they get some luck. It’s close enough to the goalkeeper for him to have some sort of say,” Wright said, on Optus Sport.

“Him and Antonio were having a bit of argie bargie, but once that ball flight has gone in – has should’ve made more effort to do something about it. Anything with any kind of quality into the box, Leeds were in trouble. It should be a worry for them.”

TBR’s view – Meslier to blame? Or could he do very little?

Unfortunately for Meslier and Leeds, Antonio’s presence and physicality simply prevented him from doing anything. Leeds are poor from set-pieces, and West Ham are much the opposite – with David Moyes renowned for working hard on set-plays.

Stuart Dallas could perhaps do a little more to get Antonio off of Meslier’s toes and give the French goalkeeper a chance to run at the ball. But Meslier should have done more to get round Antonio and at least punch the ball away. It was poor all round.