The Leeds United defender conceded a penalty against Middlesbrough but still saw his side come out on top.
Leeds United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory against Middlesbrough on Sunday, but a moment of madness from Whites’ right-back Luke Ayling caused them a nervy final few minutes.
With the hosts 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski, Ayling pulled down Daniel Ayala after the Boro centre-back was not penalised for a foul of his own, with the visitors halving the deficit from the subsequent penalty.
While the Leeds full-back rightly felt aggrieved not to have been given anything it was bizarre to see what followed, as he grabbed Ayala’s legs and rugby tackled him to the ground.
Questions have been asked about Ayling’s form for weeks and this should be the moment when Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen admits the right-back needs some time out of the spotlight.
The 26-year-old has been an ever-present for Leeds in the league this season and the pressure of playing week in, week out is starting to take its toll.
A lack of alternatives – with Gaetano Berardi playing on the opposite flank and Lewie Coyle on loan – means Ayling has been one of the first names on the team sheet. However he cannot be expected to play on without a rest, especially with the hectic Christmas and New Year period fast approaching.
We will never know if Ayling would have conceded that penalty if he was a little fresher, but Leeds cannot afford more occasions like that, with every point vital in the months ahead.
If Christiansen needs an excuse to drop Ayling, he has it, and it would be best for all concerned if the former Bristol City man got a break before returning ready for the challenges ahead.
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