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Luke Ayling makes expectation comparison between Leeds United and Chelsea after Stamford Bridge clash

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There was no more expectation on Chelsea to win than Leeds United when the two sides went head to head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

That’s according to the Whites’ right-back Luke Ayling, who believes his side should have taken at least a point from a game they eventually lost 1-0.

How did things work out between Leeds and Chelsea on Saturday?

After a goalless first half, it was Chelsea who took the lead shortly after the break, when Wesley Fofana headed in from Ben Chilwell’s corner.

Although Leeds would go in search of an equaliser, they were unable to find a goal of their own, with goalkeeper Illan Meslier even denied after heading straight at Kepa from a last minute set piece.

That result, means Leeds remain 17th in the Premier League, just a point clear of the relegation zone, and they could drop into the bottom three if Everton beat Nottingham Forest later on Sunday.

By contrast, that win has gone some way to easing the pressure on Chelsea manager Graham Potter, who picked up just his third win in the last 17 games across all competitions.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Wesley Fofana of Chelsea celebrates his goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on March 4, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

What did Ayling have to say about the expectation on the two sides?

Despite the scrutiny on Potter going into this one at Stamford Bridge, it seems Ayling feels there was just as much pressure on his side going into the game.

Asked after the match whether he felt there was more expectation on Chelsea in the game due to the fact they were at home, the right-back was quoted by the YEP as saying: “No. I think us boys have been playing well the last few games.

WWe came here with all the belief to win the game and I feel like we’ve done that in spells and then made some good chances and probably should have come away with a draw in the end.

“I know they had a lot of the ball but the chances in the second half I feel like we could have taken a lot better.”

Can you get 20/20 on this Luke Ayling quiz?

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Did Ayling make any senior appearances for Arsenal?

While it will not ease the frustration of this result, there is some cause for positivity for Leeds from these Ayling comments.

They do at least show that despite their precarious position, the squad have not let their heads drop, and do still believe they can get something from matches.

With that in mind, it does seem as though they are still going to be starting matches with the mindset required to start picking up some positive results.

Indeed, given there appears to be a sense they were not far away from getting something here, that confidence may only be growing as they look for a way out of trouble.

Was 1-0 Chelsea a fair result?

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UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.