Ben Foster has labelled Illan Meslier's near-post misjudgement during Leeds United's 1-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday as a "mistake", as he claimed he would be apologising to his teammates in the dressing room after the match if he had been playing.
Seamus Coleman's speculative effort from an acute angle caught Meslier off-guard in the 64th minute at Goodison Park. It would prove to be the decisive moment in the match as the Toffees held on to claim all three points, with Sean Dyche's side moving ahead of Leeds in the table.
The Whites now sit just one point ahead of last-placed Southampton. The Saints make the trip to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon as the fixture schedule presents Javi Gracia with the chance to get his tenure off to the perfect start with a win in a vital clash in their relegation battle - should last-minute paperwork be completed.
ALSO READ: Four Leeds United Premier League fixtures chosen for TV including Liverpool with new dates set
Victory over Everton would have seen Leeds move four points clear of their relegation rivals and Foster has now had his say over what he saw as an inexcusable error from Meslier in goal for the club.
"It’s still a mistake actually, it is," Foster told the Football Fill-In on his YouTube channel. "As a goalie, I would be coming in at half-time or full-time, and I’d be going, ‘Sorry lads, I messed up there, I shouldn’t do that’.
“Because first and foremost, like you say, you have to protect the goal. You can’t just let him stick it in there.”
READ NEXT:
Leeds United faithful 'get behind' Javi Gracia as verdict delivered on new head coach
Leeds United 'can be confident': National media verdict on Javi Gracia arrival at Elland Road
Leeds United transfer rumours as managerial offer caused Rayo Vallecano chief's offices to 'tremble'
Leeds United U21s ratings as Greenwood and Aaronson stand out in hard-fought Aston Villa win
Ben Foster on Javi Gracia's tactical approach which would be perfect for Leeds United
