Javi Gracia took his opportunity to stand by Luke Ayling after Sunday afternoon’s Leeds United horror show. The Whites were well and truly embarrassed by Crystal Palace as they collapsed to a 5-1 defeat in a game that was heaped in significance at the foot of the Premier League table.
Leeds actually took a deserved lead in the game, but the goal they conceded just before the break led to a complete and utter capitulation as Roy Hodgson’s side ran riot at Elland Road. No one in white could leave the field with their head held high as individual mistakes came from across the board.
However, Luke Ayling was one of those who struggled to put a foot right in the second half of the contest and the performance came after what has been a difficult few weeks for him. The right-back was one of Leeds’ brightest over the first couple of months of the calendar year in the Premier League.
Read more: Javi Gracia facing his biggest Leeds United challenge as major setback highlights Thorp Arch task
His leadership and nous were instrumental when it came to steadying the ship following the dismissal of Jesse Marsch and he more than established himself as the club’s first-choice on the right side of defence. However, his status can now be considered at risk after a month that seems to have severely dented his form and confidence.
Ayling struggled to deal with the threat of Kaoru Mitoma against Brighton and Hove Albion in March and despite starting against Wolves, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, he hasn’t been able to recover. Sunday’s showing against Palace was just about as poor as it gets for the 31-year-old, though.
He had a direct role in two of the Londoners’ five goals and with a pass completion rate of just 57 per cent, he offered little in the way of possession. It was a miserable afternoon for Ayling, but Gracia offered his support when asked about him after the game.
“I think that he's trying to help the team,” Gracia said. “Like the rest of the players he tries to do his best.
“In this moment I don't want to say or to give my personal opinion about one player because today more than ever I want to be close to my players and try to be ready for the next.”
Despite his words, Gracia has a decision to make ahead of next week’s clash with Liverpool it seems. Rasmus Kristensen is pushing for a starting spot and he might just get the nod as Gracia bids to shore up a backline that has conceded 10 goals over the last three games.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United player ratings with Ayling and Roca dire in collapse to Crystal Palace
Gary Lineker's one-word response as Leicester City approach ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch
Survival hopes dented and Gracia's bewilderment as Leeds United embarrassed by Crystal Palace
Leeds United star Rodrigo tipped for Spain recall amid Elland Road 'resurrection'
Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United's defeat, Ayling, dressing room words, his challenge
