Luke Ayling has had his day at Leeds United as ridiculous footage emerges from Arsenal
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has certainly had his day at Elland Road after another ridiculous challenge on Gabriel Jesus to give hand Arsenal a penalty in their Premier League clash on Saturday [1 April].
The Whites veteran certainly has form at the Emirates Stadium before, after last season’s dreadful challenge on Gabriel Martinelli for which he was awarded a deserved straight red card.
And on Saturday against Arsenal, he once again showed that he may be past his best at Elland Road.
As shown by the footage, released on Twitter by EuroFoot [1 April].
The 31-year-old went down to challenge the silky Brazilian forward but was left fooled by his swift feint but still managed to bring him down with a flick at the forward’s ankle giving away a needless penalty for which Jesus duly converted 10 minutes before half-time.
There was simply no need for Ayling to go down there, just like he’d done last season when he aggressively fouled Martinelli, both in needless and arguably danger-less positions.
Supposed to be one of the Whites’ most experienced defenders, Ayling once again exerted his immaturity and recklessness after that challenge which will certainly have angered many of the Leeds United faithful, at a time when they had done so well to stifle the Premier League leaders.
The club’s decision to hand Ayling a new contract now looks increasingly baffling after this latest incident. Yes, his experience and leadership in the dressing room are incredibly crucial but his presence on the pitch seems to be hurting Leeds United rather than benefitting them.
Ayling certainly seems to be past his best and he’s had his day at Elland Road. Maybe it’s time Javi Gracia stops handing him starts with the club facing a nerve-wracking and tight relegation dogfight.
Such unnecessary and reckless defending as he’s shown yet again at the Emirates are those fine margins which could get the club in serious danger of relegation.
Don’t start him anymore Gracia.
In other Leeds United news, the club are ready to offer a new contract to one first-team star whose deal is up in 2024.
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