Pundit Watch

2 things pundits are saying about Leeds United following Sunday’s defeat v Arsenal

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Leeds United are in real trouble after slipping into the relegation zone, following defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

The Whites have three games now to save their season after back-to-back defeats have seen the side move down to 18th, as Everton have recorded two straight wins.

Travelling to the Emirates was always going to be a challenging prospect for Jesse Marsch’s men, but self-destruction made it a nigh-on impossible task to get anything from the game.

There was plenty to digest from the match, and pundits had their work cut out to discuss the events in North London, as we’ve narrowed it down to two…

Gary Neville

The main talking point in the aftermath of the game is still Ayling’s shocking tackle at 2-0 down, flying into Martinelli with two feet and being red-carded by Chris Kavanagh.

Not only did it ruin Leeds’ chances of finding a way back into the game until late on, but it now means the side are without their vice-captain and only fit right-back for the final three games of the season.

Losing him for this game wasn’t the end of the world in Gary Neville’s eyes, with the bigger picture ahead (via his personal Twitter account)

Is it now inevitable Raphinha will be a Barcelona player next season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Stephen Warnock

The other main incident that left Leeds with a mountain to climb happened in the first few minutes when Ayling’s backpass to Illan Meslier put the goalkeeper under pressure.

Meslier then dawdled on the ball with an extra touch and let Eddie Nketiah close him down to score. The worst possible start.

As much as the Frenchman has been a vital part of why Leeds have a chance of staying up, the former Leeds left-back wasn’t in a mood to defend him:

Illan Meslier is an incredible shot-stopper but you can’t defend him there,” said Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live, via BBC Sport website.

“Put your foot through it, this is the problem when you get these managers or players who want to play out from the back so often.”

Warnock added: “I’m just astonished the way Leeds are approaching this game.

“They keep on trying to play out and they are caught again.”

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.