Luke Ayling reflects on latest Leeds United learning curve facing Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

LUKE Ayling admitted facing Arsenal hotshot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was another Leeds United learning curve and that he was far from pleased about the Gunners striker's first hat-trick.
By Lee Sobot
Published 15th Feb 2021, 09:10 BST
Updated 15th Feb 2021, 10:25 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Regular right back Ayling was again tasked with shifting over to play centre-half in Sunday's Premier League clash against the Gunners as part of a positional reshuffle due to Kalvin Phillips being injured.

That meant Jamie Shackleton taking over at right back as Pascal Struijk moved into the holding midfield role as Ayling partnered Whites captain Liam Cooper at centre-back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It also meant Ayling having to deal with sharpshooter Aubameyang who bagged his first ever Gunners hat-trick as strikes in the 14th and 47th minute sandwiched the striker's 41st-minute penalty.

TOUGH TEST: Leeds United defender Luke Ayling, right, battles with Arsenal's hat-trick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Sunday's 4-2 defeat at the Emirates. Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.TOUGH TEST: Leeds United defender Luke Ayling, right, battles with Arsenal's hat-trick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Sunday's 4-2 defeat at the Emirates. Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.
TOUGH TEST: Leeds United defender Luke Ayling, right, battles with Arsenal's hat-trick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Sunday's 4-2 defeat at the Emirates. Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

Aubameyang could have added to his tally as only a tremendous block from Ayling sent another effort over the bar in the first half and the 31-year-old was also denied by the woodwork after the break.

"He's a very clever striker," Ayling told beIN Sports.

"He pulls out into them positions where me as a centre half or playing as a centre half don't really want to go.

"When he builds up speed and then he's backing you into the box it's hard to do anything against a striker like that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It's another learning curve but it's not one that I'm pleased of that it's his first hat trick."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/arsenal-4-2-leeds-united-graham-smyths-player-ratings-stirring-second-half-comeback-falls-short-3134596

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins

Related topics:Luke AylingArsenalLiam CooperJamie ShackletonLeedsKalvin PhillipsPremier LeaguePascal Struijk

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.