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Alan Smith raves about Leeds United defender Luke Ayling v West Ham
Alan Smith has praised Leeds United defender Luke Ayling for his effort during their 3-2 win against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday (16 January) at the London Stadium.
Jack Harrison scored all three goals for the visitors as Leeds secured their back to back wins in the Premier League.
Ayling was involved in the build-up to the second goal for Leeds, where Harrison, who remained unmarked, made a simple tap-in in the box.
Smith said on Sky Sports live-on-air during the game: “Luke Ayling got the initial header, forcefully attacking the ball. Harrison gets the easiest of tap-ins at the far post. Ayling the man. What a response.”
Brilliant
It was arguably the best performance from Leeds so far this season.
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The Whites played with great tempo and kept on pressing and creating chances.
Daniel James alone could have scored two or more goals had he been more clinical. Raphinha was excellent while the likes of Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch were outstanding.
Smith is absolutely spot on here. Ayling did well to get the header from the corner, and all Harrison had to do was just get a gentle tap-in.
West Ham are one of the in-form teams in the Premier League at the moment, and to get three points against them at their home turf is commendable.
The victory, however, has come at a cost. Adam Forshaw, who recently signed a new deal, picked up a hamstring injury while Junior Firpo also left the field in the first half.
However, the Leeds players have shown tremendous mental fortitude to seal all three points.
Leeds have moved to 15th in the league, nine points above the relegation zone.
In other Leeds United news, the controversially disallowed Klich goal drew this reaction from ex-England striker.