Amid lots of criticism, Chris Sutton has somewhat defended Luke Ayling’s red card at Arsenal as he believes the pressure of a relegation battle is getting to the Leeds United players. The Whites right-back will not play any further part in this season as a result of the three-match ban that follows his dismissal.
The three games that he will miss are three of the biggest in the club’s recent history as Leeds look to escape the grips of the relegation zone. Ayling adds to the lengthening list of senior players that are already unavailable to Jesse Marsch which will certainly come as a frustration to the American.
Although, Sutton gave a possible explanation for why the 30-year-old made such a rash decision, he said on the most recent episode of the Football Daily podcast : “I’ve seen a lot of Luke Ayling, I’ve never seen him make a challenge like that. I just wonder whether things are getting to the players.”
Read more: Five options Jesse Marsch has to replace Luke Ayling for Leeds United's relegation run-in
While the situation at Leeds has become much bleaker after dropping into the bottom three on Sunday, the former Blackburn striker believes they can take still leapfrog Burnley. The Clarets saw their recent impressive run come to an abrupt halt as they were beaten 3-0 at home by Aston Villa.
“I think it’s a really difficult one, the hope I’d have for Leeds is that defeat for Burnley at the weekend in a game where everybody expected them to maybe get another result,” added Sutton. “I just wonder whether they go really go under now, Burnley. That’s also part of Leeds’ hope now.”
The amount of goals the Whites have conceded this season means that, because of their goal difference, the fate of Marsch’s side isn’t in their own hands. Although, they simply have to better the amount of points that Burnley are able to pick up in the last three games.
Mike Jackson still has to take his side to Tottenham and Aston Villa before hosting Newcastle on the final day in a run of matches that could feasibly yield zero points. But, football is rarely ever that simple and Leeds must ensure they take as many points as possible to give them the best chance of survival.
