How Luke Ayling masterminded wild Leeds win vs Birmingham in 5-4 madness under Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds face Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round at St. Andrew’s on Sunday.
Daniel Farke is doing a brilliant job at Leeds as his side have only lost twice since the start of December in all competitions.
Leeds’ 3-1 win over Derby County in the third round has fans believing that they could go far in the competition.
The Whites haven’t won the FA Cup since 1971-92, when they beat Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
Leeds’ clash with Birmingham on Sunday may bring back some memories of the dramatic 5-4 win in December 2019, which was spearheaded by Luke Ayling and Marcelo Bielsa.
Luke Ayling was phenomenal during Leeds’ 5-4 win vs Birmingham in 2019
Ayling still holds Leeds close to his heart, and his performance against Birmingham at St. Andrew’s was one of the best in his career.
Helder Costa and Jack Harrison scored inside the space of six first-half minutes to put the Whites 2-0 up, but Jude Bellingham and Lukas Jutkiewicz went on to level the scoreline.
Ayling put Leeds back in front, but Jeremie Bela equalised for a second time in the 83rd minute.
| Stat | Ayling |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 86% |
| Recoveries | 9 |
Stuart Dallas then struck on 84 minutes, only for Jutkiewicz to score again to make it 4-4.
But Wes Harding’s own goal in the fifth minute of added time gave Leeds all three points at St. Andrew’s and settled one of the greatest Championship games of all time.
Ayling assisted both Dallas’ strike and the 95th-minute own goal, and he was a constant threat down the right-hand side all game with his trademark American football celebration.
He had several brilliant games under Bielsa, but this is one that he will never forget for the rest of his life.
A lot has changed in the space of six years, and although they play in different leagues, the Elland Road outfit should be aware of Birmingham’s form at St. Andrew’s.
Luke Ayling was a true leader for Leeds
Leeds’ game against Birmingham will be a very tough one, but these were the types of games that Ayling thrived in.
Having joined on a free transfer from Bristol City in August 2016, the 34-year-old went on to spend over seven years in LS11.
The right-back made 268 appearances for the Peacocks, scoring 11 goals and registering 20 assists.
Ayling was then sent out on loan to Middlesbrough in January 2024 and joined them permanently the following summer.
Having been part of the leadership group at Leeds, he was vital in their promotion to the Premier League in 2019-2020.
Ayling was a brilliant servant to the Whites, and he’ll be hoping that this current side can recreate some of the magic he produced under Bielsa in 2019.