Alan Shearer criticises Leeds star after mistake against Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

The challenge made by Luke Ayling that resulted in Arsenal being given a penalty against Leeds United was stupid.

That is the view of Alan Shearer, speaking to Match of the Day after Leeds were beaten 4-1 at the Emirates by the Premier League leaders.

Obviously, expectations were low for the trip to North London. However, Leeds started well, testing Aaron Ramsdale on a number of occasions in the opening stages.

Unfortunately, it was a mistake from Leeds which set Mikel Arteta’s men on their way. Luke Ayling had a couple of attempts at challenging Gabriel Jesus inside the penalty area, eventually making contact with the striker’s knee.

Shearer criticises Luke Ayling after Leeds loss

Admittedly, there was not too much contact. However, Ayling did catch Jesus’ knee and ultimately, gave him the option to go to ground.

Was it soft? Definitely. But we can have few complaints. And Alan Shearer was extremely critical of Ayling for the challenge.

“He could’ve gone down on the first challenge from Kristensen. He actually connects with him, but he stays up. But then, when you see it from the other angle here, he does clip him there, but he stays on his feet,” he told Match of the Day.

“But this time, I don’t know what Luke Ayling’s doing, stupid challenge there, he actually kicks him in the knee. Absolutely the right decision.”

Obviously, Arsenal blew Leeds away in the second-half. It was the onslaught that many always expected. But that goal before half-time gave them the springboard.

It is hard to be really critical of Ayling. He had been excellent in the weeks before the international break. However, it was another needless mistake from the full-back at the Emirates.

And once Arsenal got in front, they were always unlikely to throw it away.

Clearly, a game at the Emirates is not going to decide our season. But it is still deflating to shoot ourselves in the foot after a very encouraging first 35 minutes.

Should we beat Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, all will be forgotten. But the result on Saturday has certainly piled the pressure on.