What Luke Ayling was doing on the side of the pitch as Leeds United beaten 1-0 by Sunderland

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Leeds United suffered a 1-0 loss to Sunderland on Tuesday night as the Black Cats ran out narrow winners, despite Luke Ayling’s attempts to “rally the troops” from the sidelines after going behind.

The Whites came into the match with six wins from the last seven Championship matches but could not continue that run of form – despite facing a Sunderland side that sacked boss Tony Mowbray last week.

Jobe Bellingham got the only goal of the game, a goal that Daniel Farke described as lucky – claiming even Alex Pritchard would not have been able to explain his headed assist. He also criticised the pitch.

Ayling, meanwhile, is enduring a difficult period in his career. So often first choice at Elland Road, the right-back is struggling to get game time – failing to start since October 4, more than two months ago.

But his attitude remains flawless. Ayling might be in his last season at Leeds, with his contract set to expire in June as things stand, but he was still trying to gee up his teammates – as per the YEP.

“Ayling trying to rally the troops from the touchline after Leeds went a goal behind, attempting to intervene as his team-mates made their way back to halfway with vocal encouragement and applause.”

Luke Ayling attempted to rally Leeds troops after Sunderland goal

Leeds needed a firework up the backside on Tuesday night. Lethargic, lacking ideas, Leeds were beaten tactically and in terms of endeavour and work rate. We looked sluggish compared to our normal selves.

Hopefully, things are put right come Saturday, when we return to Elland Road to take on another in-form side in the form of Coventry City. A big game, one we have to win, to keep the pressure on the top two.