Luke Ayling has spoken with the media after putting in a monumental defensive performance to help his side towards three points at the Etihad Stadium. 

Playing the entire second half with 10 men, Ayling wore the armband following the dismissal of Liam Cooper.

His leadership and experience played a key role for his side, as they battled against everything the hosts could throw at them.

“I thought we did really well,” Ayling explained.  

“We dug in at times and sat back on our own 18-yard line, but really showed a different part of our game today, that we can dig in. 

“We won with a great goal at the end. I think we broke away a few times, maybe with a final ball we could have scored a bit earlier!”

After having to defend their area for such a long time, the Whites looked to push forward in the final few minutes, and were rewarded when Stuart Dallas netted the winner. 

“I don’t think I was thinking that at the time, It was more about just digging in today and trying to get something from it,” Ayling stated, after the game. 

“We dug in well at the start of the second half, but they finally got their goal, then we had to dig in again. We pushed on towards the end and scored a great last minute goal. 

“I think it showed a different part to us, everyone knows we play open football and try to get at teams. The boys dug in, it was a great three points, I’m very proud. 

“We looked like a bunch of lads working hard for each other and to come away to a place like this and get the three points is brilliant.”