Leeds United could well have one hand on the crown as they bolstered their title hopes with a late, late victory in Wales this afternoon.
Marcelo Bielsa can thank his substitute, Pablo Hernandez, for all three points as the Spanish wizard swung the game in their favour substantially – as he normally does.
The goal came just one minute from time when Helder Costa fed Luke Ayling down the right flank, his ball in then found Hernandez, who took a touch before firing a low shot past Freddie Woodman from around the penalty spot.
It means the Whites go three points clear of West Brom at the top of the Championship and six points clear of those dreaded playoff positions, and with just three games remaining, they are in pole position for a return to the English top-flight.
Will Luke Ayling cut it in the Premier League?
Yes, 100%!
I have doubts
No way!
However, despite all this, much of the Elland Road faithful watching back in west Yorkshire weren’t pleased with the display from their assist-making right-back.
And it’s hard to disagree as the 28-year-old lost possession a whopping 31 times, lost a total of ten duels and barely scraped a 70% pass accuracy all match, via. SofaScore.
Which is why some supporters questioned if he knew he was playing in white whilst others claimed he had a “mare” and was “shocking”.
Here’s more of the reaction…
How many times has Ayling given the ball away already 🤦🏻♂️
— Browney (@BrowneyBrowne) July 12, 2020
Ayling’s passing at times makes me sick, some daft balls trying to curl round players when the simple ball down the line is right there #LUFC
— Relegation Clause FC (@MMMMMNoodleSoup) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/Zomoniac/status/1282297200849104896?s=20
Ayling making same mistakes with that pass. Very easy to read.
— John Miller (@JohnMil70047057) July 12, 2020
Distribution from defence has been horrific so far, Ayling has to improve massively
— Joe Wood (@Joe17Wood) July 12, 2020
ayling is having a bad game at the moment, it’s our simple 5/10yrs passes which are poor at the moment, big inmprovement needed #lufc
— Sim (@1simmo1) July 12, 2020
Ayling is having a mare at the minute! 😟 #lufc
— A🤍L💛A💙W (@pashaw69) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/_Dansson/status/1282300183590703104?s=20
Ayling having a poor game
— Matt Hill (@MattyHill83) July 12, 2020
Massive fan of Ayling but he’s been so sloppy today!
— UptheRUTTER (@tbeattie9) July 12, 2020
Luke Ayling having a shocker of a first half
— Sam Fox (@Sam_Fox200) July 12, 2020
Ayling's passing has been shocking
— Chris Shaw (@mr_shaw78) July 12, 2020
this is as worse of a performance we’ve put in all season, ayling having a shocker, roberts again has been poor, it’s crying out for pablo, but im sure we can’t play as bad 2nd half #lufc
— Sim (@1simmo1) July 12, 2020
Ayling poor #lufc
— Cha-am Whites (@stephbb1210) July 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/m5rgate/status/1282316222000959489?s=20