Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha reply to Luke Ayling on Instagram after draw

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Both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha responded to Luke Ayling on Instagram following the defender’s post in the wake of Leeds United’s draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Leeds claimed what appears to be an impressive point at Elland Road. Of course, their chances of winning the game were dealt a huge blow early in the second-half when Luis Sinisterra was sent off.

Sinisterra had arguably been Leeds’ brightest player in the first-half. So his dismissal was a real blow for Jesse Marsch’s side.

Phillips and Raphinha respond to Luke Ayling on Instagram

But the Whites showed another side to their game from then on. Understandably, Villa created the greater number of chances and will be kicking themselves that they did not win.

Leeds rode their luck at times. But they also produced a colossal defensive effort to keep a clean sheet. And Ayling certainly played his part.

The right-back replaced Rasmus Kristensen midway through the second-half. And he was sporting a face mask after breaking his nose against Brentford last time out.

Ayling showed no signs of concern however. He was more than happy to put his body on the line for the cause. In fact, he made an amazing block on the edge of the box at one stage, throwing himself in the way.

Leeds will have been the much happier team with a point. And Ayling has now taken to Instagram to comment on the result. There were responses from the likes of Phillips and Raphinha, with Phillips clearly impressed with the new look…

Ayling’s return to the side is a big plus for Leeds. Kristensen has found life in the Premier League difficult so far.

He was, admittedly, much better against Aston Villa. However, having Ayling back available will allow Marsch to take Kristensen out of the firing line if necessary.

And Leeds can be happy with their efforts on Sunday. It was not until late November that the side kept their second league clean sheet of the season last year.

They have already reached that number this time around. And given the changes over the summer – such as losing Phillips and Raphinha – it may well be that they now improve even more as the new signings adapt further.