Leeds concede twice late on in 3-3 draw at Hull; Daniel Farke refuses to scapegoat Meslier

Leeds United concede twice late on in a 3-3 draw at Hull City; and post-match Daniel Farke refuses to scapegoat Illan Meslier.

Joao Pedro and Abu Kamara netted as Ruben Selles’ Tigers battle back from 3-1 down to earn a point, as Leeds stay top of the Championship with 53 points from 26 games, and Hull are on 23 points from 26 games.

Both of Hull’s goalscorers were were served the ball up by the Leeds keeper errors, stopping the Whites from restoring their three-point lead at the top after Burnley had won 1-0 at Blackburn earlier in the day.

Need a new Goalkeeper in January. Urgently. #LUFC

pic.twitter.com/v6LnlhgZWq

— Zovic (@LufcZovic) January 4, 2025

“Disappointed is probably the right word,” said Farke, when asked how he felt, per Yorkshire Post.

“(In the) first half we were not sharp enough, it’s an example that if we allow ourselves to be two per cent less on it, then it’s difficult in this league to win points. In both boxes it was the case.

“We had so many good situations but didn’t finish them off in the first half. We needed to be a bit sharper in the opponents’ box but our finishing was not spot on and I don’t think we have conceded a cheaper goal during the whole season than the situation when we conceded (Kamara’s opening goal).

“We invited them to counter-attack and they could have scored (again).

“Second half I have to say great reaction and we executed exactly what we spoke about at half-time in the perfect manner, we were in total control and scored three goals (through Ao Tanaka, Daniel James and Joel Piroe).

“We had chances to score a fourth, fifth and sixth goal, especially Daniel James one against one

“Then it’s difficult to accept how we conceded two late goals without them having really a chance if I’m really honest. Somehow they were able to score out of situations where you normally never can score.”

“I would be a poor leader if straight away after a game I would punish individual mistakes by my players in a press conference, I’m not willing to do this,” said Farke.

“But everyone has watched the game and the players who were involved can’t hide behind the fact they should have done better in this situation.

“It’s a sign of what we are. We are not the finished product who cruises easily, I have to say.

“It was a wide free-kick – how the ball went in – and the third goal we more or less cleared the corner kick and in the second phase a strike from 25 yards goes in the middle of the goal. It’s tough to explain, or at least tough to accept.

“But this is what we are and what I am speaking about the whole season.”

Hull’s Ruben Selles: “It feels like a perfect final point for what has happened in the last couple of days.

“He has quality, and you cannot doubt that. He’s an honest person and he’s been giving absolutely everything.

“Because of his body language at times, sometimes people think he’s not interested, but that’s not the reality.

“You can only be happy for him and happy for the team – and also happy because that’s the way we want to do things.

“It’s important for him and it’s important for the dressing-room and the club.”